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Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Epilogue
Alaric and Charles rushed back to their home as quickly as they could. Every person they passed that had a horse got told what happened. Many of these people took off immediately to warn the government and the many military encampments. When the boys finally made it back to their home, Alaric wasted no time in getting his father's company signed over to him. At first there was some question as to whether or not Ezekiel had actually died; however, after telling the story of what had happened and word having already reached the town that the front line had in fact been overtaken, the business was finally signed over. It was in his father's will that the business was to go to Alaric and Nathaniel to co-own, but with Nathaniel gone it was signed completely over to Alaric. Alaric knew that if he and his brother were to survive, he would need to run his father's business at least as well as his father had. For the next week or so Alaric spent his time trying to figure out how many goods they had stocked and who his customers were. He continually drilled himself on the various prices on the goods.
Charles spent most of that time, hiding from everyone. Wallowing in his own grief, Charles wanted nothing to do with anyone. Alaric tried on several occasions to get Charles to have dinner with him or help around the store, but he wouldn't agree to anything. Eventually Alaric grew frustrated and went next door to speak with a woman that he had known most of his life. The woman's name was Edith and she had helped Alaric's parents out when they were too busy to care for him or his brothers. When anyone in the family was sick, Edith would bring over soup or tea. Alaric could remember several times that he had been upset and Edith always seemed to have the answer. Alaric approached the door and knocked; no one answered. He knocked again and still there was no answer. Just as he was about to give up and walk back home, Edith came around the corner of her house. “Alaric my dear! I'm sorry for making you wait. I was around back in the garden and couldn't hear the knocking.” Alaric smiled brightly, he walked over to Edith and gave her a hug. She returned the hug and then looked at him worriedly. “I heard about your father and brother; how are you and Charlie holding up?” Alaric sighed, “Charlie hasn't come out of his room much. He hasn't been eating much either; he's worrying me. I'm not really sure what to do for him.” Edith nodded slowly in understanding, “There isn't a whole lot you can do. Just be available to him when he finally decides he needs someone. Don't push him too much or else he might run.” Alaric took a deep breath, “I'll try. It's just hard to see him like that.” Edith patted Alaric on the back, “I'm sure it is. I'm also sure you'll do fine with your father's business.” Alaric blinked, she had already guessed the other thing that was bothering him. Alaric gave Edith a hug and smiled, “Thank you. I knew coming over here was a good idea.” Edith smiled him, and then a question formed on her face. “Have you thought about going to church since you came back to town?” Alaric frowned and shook his head. “You know I haven't been to church since mother died.” Edith sighed, “You still blame God for her death then.”
.....
They walked for a few moments in silence before Alaric spoke. “I have no intention of keeping you as a slave. My brother is missing and the description of you that I heard sounded a lot like him.”
“Then why buy me at all, if I wasn't who you were looking for?”
.....