1 Chapter 1

1776

It was early Spring; the snow had just started to melt and the buds on the trees were just starting to show. But I knew that there was something different about this year and, it was just the beginning to a long hard year along with everything that has been happening these past few years.

Just as I was sitting down to lunch there was a loud noise outside. So, I got up to see what was outside, but just as I reached the door it was kicked in, I was just barely able to rip aside so I wouldn't be hit by the door flying open. But when I ripped aside, I slipped and hit the floor, so it dazed me and made my vision blurry for a good moment. When I finally got myself oriented, I looked up and my face turned ghost white.

There stood an Indian (Native American), but not a normal Indian, I instantly recognized the Indian as my husband that I hadn't seen in what seemed like ages. Also the clothing he was wearing was familiar, but I hadn't seen it in the three years I have been back in time. I just sat there staring up at him like he was an image of my imagination. I slowly got up to my knees, because I did not want to become dizzy again, then after a few moments I slowly got to my feet. And stood there proud, as any higher-class woman should.

"Can I help you, sir?" I asked. After getting myself composed a little. "It depends." He said. "On what?" I asked in a calm voice. "On whether or not you're Katheryn Marie Carder." He replies with a big smile breaking out on his face. At hearing this I instantly exclaimed joy at seeing my husband on my front porch. And after calming down I quickly ushered him into the house, then embraced and kissed him.

(I remembered everything, but had to act as if I was from this time period, because when I had first gotten there (late 1773), then the people of the town and surrounding areas were getting suspicious of me, because they had never heard of me before. So, had to blend in with the people in that area, but I didn't know how to act around them, so I hid for a few days in the woods on the outskirts of the farms in the area. Then one day while I was foraging for some fresh food, anything but MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat) or CRE's (Crap Ready to Eat) as I called them, I heard a noise in the distance in the direction of the road.

It sounded like screaming, more importantly it sounded like a woman screaming. So, I headed in that direction, but was also trying to keep myself hidden so whoever else happened to be on the road or in the surrounding area wouldn't see me. When I got close enough to where I heard the woman, and where I could see what was going on but was still hidden. I saw a bunch of Indians (not the kind I was used to), surrounding the carriage, they had killed the driver and the guard, that had been sitting at the front of the carriage.

And I could see that there were two women in the carriage, but only one of them was screaming. ( The younger one was the one screaming, the older one, that looked to be between fifty and sixty five somewhere in there, was just staring at them like if she was any younger she would be fighting them off). When I saw this, I inched closer. So I could hear what was being said. "Why will they not go away Aunt Nancy, we do not have anything that would do any good for them." The younger woman cried.

"It is because they are on the war path and also what tribe they are from, because my husband before I got my mansion, was a Seneca warrior and he did not like the British, he did not want to be ruled by a king, and the same goes for my children, that includes the ones that still live with the Seneca, my two oldest children, they are twins, and also your cousins, that is where we were headed just now, when these Mohawk, an enemy tribe waylaid us on the road, I was bringing you along so you could meet the other part of my family.

The reason my three younger children live with me, is because they were not old enough, when their father died, to decide where they wanted to live and they needed their mother, also their Uncles, my brothers-in-law, thought it best if I took them with me to live in the white mans world, because at the time the tribes were warring against each other, but my older ones were able to stay because they were old enough at the time to defend themselves and to help defend the tribe." Replied Aunt Nancy. "But they do not act like Indians." Said the younger woman.

"Oh, trust me, what you see is only half of who they are." Replied Aunt Nancy with a confidence about her, that she knew what she was talking about. At that minute, I (Katheryn) saw an opening, where I could help these two women out even if only a little bit, because (I myself had Seneca blood running through my veins, my great great great great grandmother was full blooded Seneca. So, I couldn't let anyone who may be related to me even if distantly related, get hurt).

I was glad I hadn't left 2 my 9mm pistols back with my other stuff buried where I had been camping so no one could find it, like I was planning to. I aimed high so it wouldn't hit anything but the tree behind the Mohawk brave that seemed to be the leader of this band of Mohawk braves. And fired. "Boom" the shot rang out though the woods. " Auntie, what was that." Yelled the younger woman still rubbing her ears.

"I believe it was a gun shot, though I have never heard anything like it in my entire life, and I know what most of the weapons around here sound like, so someone must have gotten themselves a new gun though I have not heard anything about it, so it must have been really recent." Replied Aunt Nancy. As Aunt Nancy was saying that, the Mohawks all except the leader were running around wondering where it came from, while the leader was holding his ear and yelling as if he had been shot in the ear, which I knew he hadn't as I was one of the best long distance shots with both the sniper rifle and the pistol in the United States Army, at least in my time.

When the echoes all died away, and the Mohawks were all settling down, but were still on high alert, looking, watching, and waiting to see if there would be any more shots, so they could spot whoever was shooting. But I was so well hidden, someone could step right on top of me and not even know that I was there. I aimed again, and this time I aimed three inches shy of the youngest brave and fired. "Boom" the second shot rang out. Causing everyone but me to jump. And the brave that I shot near, to whirl around so fast he smacked his head into the tree he was leaning against "wham."

When he hit the tree, he let out a cry so weird (between a bird call and a human baby wailing), that everyone there looked at him strangely. And the braves rushed over to him, asking him what's the matter, in their native tongue. "Well, it looks like you need to be more careful and watch where you are going, so you don't have any more accidents." I called out making it sound like I was in a different spot, then I really is.

Causing everyone to whirl around looking for who said that. The Indians to get their weapons and stand ready in the direction they think I am, which is opposite of where I really am, and the women in the carriage to hold their breath and look around frantically with hope in their eyes, for whoever was out here causing the distraction, so they don't end up murdered and scalped. As I watched the women look around frantically for me, I also noticed that the Mohawk braves were also looking for me, as they now had their weapons in their hands, and slung on their shoulders.

While everyone was still looking for me or the one who had caused all the racket, I quietly slipped farther away from the waylaid passengers in the carriage, and then some distance down the road behind the carriage. So that I could sneak up to the carriage and see if there was anything I could do to help the other women. When I was at the back of the carriage I saw that it had a button on back panel, so quickly undid a couple buttons so that I could let the women in the carriage know that I was there to try and help, without letting the Natives know I was there. After I had an opening, I quickly and quietly whispered so that my voice didn't carry.

"Don't react. If the Mohawk see you react they will know somethings up. So I will quickly explain what I am trying to do, and don't try and ask questions, I don't have the time for them. I am trying to get you out of this situation and get you on your way. Also my name is Katheryn Marie Carder, but please don't say my name until I know for sure that the Mohawk are on their way and won't be a problem again." At hearing this the older woman (Aunt Nancy) quietly nodded her head and put a finger to her lips to admonish her niece to stay quiet.

After I knew that they were ok and wouldn't make any noise I snuck back to the side of the road that I had been on without being seen and inched farther up the road from where my previous hiding spot had been. When I reached my new hiding place and was in position I all of a sudden was struck with a brilliant idea. (Why not chant in Navajo in an airy voice. As I am one eighth Navajo, and am fluent in the language.) And so I started chanting and making weird noises, which really freaked the Mohawk out as they had never seen a Navajo in their lives. As I was doing this the Mohawk almost dropped their weapons in their haste to get away from this area and escape with their lives, as they thought that I was some something coming to devower them.

It was so comical to see that I almost gave myself away by laughing. When the Mohawk were gone I came around to the side of the carriage. As soon as the women saw me they gasped and just stared. With this I looked down at myself, and realized why they were so shocked. I was wearing my black Removable hooded faux Leather Jacket Moto Biker Coat and black military cargo pants. After a few minutes I speak up. "My name is Katheryn Marie Carder. I wasn't planning on meeting anyone today, and was out hunting in the woods when I heard the attack on you. May I ask your names?" At hearing this they shake off their shock and answer. "My name is Nancy Evans." Replies Aunt Nancy.

With this the younger woman Replies also motioning to the older woman. "My name is Latisha Grey and I am her brother's daughter. Her niece." "Well I am pleased to meet you. But am not sure how to get help from the town, the way I am dressed." I answer gesturing towards myself. At this Nancy Replies. "Can you please get the dark brown trunk down from the top of the carriage. As there is just the thing for you to wear inside, and I do believe that it will fit as it is to small for me and you look to be the right size." I did as I was instructed and got the trunk down so that she could find what she was looking for.

After a little while she came up with this beautiful Lavender purple and white dress with ribbon butterflies on the skirt, that was made out one of most expensive fabrics of all times including the twenty first century. Mulberry Silk. As soon as it was in my arms she motioned towards the trees. So I figured that she wanted me to put the dress on. When I was behind a tree so that no one could see me, I quickly changed and what I found was that the dress fit perfectly. As in it had to have been made for me from the very beginning, it seemed. But I knew it hadn't as I had only recently shown up in this time period.

When the dress was done up I quickly gathered up my other clothes and stepped out of the trees. And when the women saw me they just stared and didn't say anything for what seemed like ages, but was only a few minutes. Then Aunt Nancy smiled and said. "That dress seems like it was made just for you. Only you could make it come to life. You look absolutely stunning. Now you can go get us some help." At this I just smile and nod my head in agreement. After quickly stashing my other clothes in the back of carriage I headed back in direction of the town so that I could find someone who was willing to come help the two ladies on the road.

As I entered the town people began to stare, but I kept on walking until I came to a sign that read Constable and I went in. What I saw was a man sitting behind a desk writing on a piece of paper, but when the door shut he looked up and asked. "What can I do for you ma'am?" With this I quickly replied. "There's two women on the road that were waylaid by a band of Mohawk braves, the guard and driver were shot and killed, and the women probably wouldn't have been spared if I hadn't interrupted them. I think their names are Nancy Evans and Latisha Grey. At least that's what they told me right before I came to get some help for them."

At hearing this he exclaimed in shock. "Latisha! Are you sure that's what they said?" With this out burst all I could do was nod my head in confirmation. When he saw my nod he quickly got up and rushed out of back door and jumped on his horse, then seemed to notice me again standing in the doorway and told me to get on the back of the horse. As we rode back through town he shouted. "Indian attack on the road!" And kept on going without stopping.

When we reached the carriage he quickly jumped off and rushed over and scooped Latisha off her feet and into his arms. It turned out that the Constable was her husband, Adam Grey. And they had only been married a couple of months. We had been back at the carriage for about five minutes when a bunch of the men from the town came riding up and when they saw us just standing there they pulled up short. At seeing the men ride up Adam pulled away from Latisha and walked over to them so they could talk.

They talked for a while then a couple of the men headed into the trees to make sure that the Mohawk braves were really gone, and not lurking in the trees. While the two men were gone a few of the others pulled the saddles off of two of the horses and hitched them up to the carriage then got up in the driver seat. As soon as the horses were hitched I quickly gathered up my stuff that I had put in the back of the carriage and was just about to head back to my campsite when Nancy saw me and said. "You're leaving? Where will you go? Why don't you come home with me, I have enough room and it won't be a bother, besides I really want to get to know you better."

At this I sighed. I didn't really want to go with her, besides I still had all of my stuff that I needed. I stood there for a few minutes contemplating what I should do when it hit me, I should go with her, so that the towns folk will loose their suspicion of me, and then I could go back and get my other stuff later. So I nodded my head heading back to the waiting carriage, and climbed in. While the carriage was bumping down the road into the town I secretly made sure that my hand gun was tucked into my bundle of dirty clothes.

While we were bumping down the road, my mind went to the thought of my husband and how I missed him. I wished that he was there with me as I was struggling with the culture shock of going back in time. But I knew that I had been sent here for a reason and was going to accomplish the assignments that have been given. Even if it ended up taking longer than was initially planned. Everything be dammed, but at times it gets lonely and your thoughts start to wonder. I just hoped that everything was going smoothly back in 2011, and am happy that we never had children, because I couldn't have left them to take this mission. But when this over we are so going to have a family. So help me we are!

As we reached the outskirts of the town I became a little tense. I was in a different time period, my husband was not with me, these people were total strangers, and I didn't have all my stuff. The only reason that I wasn't making my escape and living in the forest was because I had a few of my supplies. When we reached the Constable's office, Adam and Latisha got out and the carriage continued on to Nancy's estate.

I will never forget the size of the mansion that was set back a ways from the main road, but I couldn't even describe it. Just as the carriage pulled up to the circle drive in front of the mansion two girls probably between the ages of twenty and fifteen came rushing over to us with questions and shock at seeing their mother back so soon. At their questions Nancy quickly got them calmed down and told them that she would tell them everything when we were in the house and had refreshments.

After refreshments and Nancy had explained everything to her two daughters, the events of the day finally hit me and the adrenaline wore off I became very tired and knew that if I was to get up in the morning, I would need go to bed soon. I quickly gathered up my stuff before I became too tired and I exposed my guns to them. As soon as I was up from where I had been sitting, I let Nancy and her girls know that I was tired, so she called a servant (not a slave) to show me to the room that they had assigned to me.

The minute I was in my room and the door was shut and locked I quickly tucked one of my hand guns under the mattress and the other under my pillow along with my combat knife that I had tucked into my boot this morning. When my weapons were secured I quickly stripped out of the dress and into a night gown. Almost as soon as my head hit the pillow I was out like a light.

The next morning I was up at three thirty or that's what my watch said, and I was also a wake before the rest of the house even the servants. I quickly and quietly slipped out of the bed and quickly got dressed in the dress again as I didn't have an of my other clothes except for the ones that I was wearing yesterday morning. And those needed to be washed. Just as I was about to put on the petticoats I had an idea.

'What if I can wear my thigh holster under all these layers and not have anyone realize that I am carrying.' So I tried it out and found that it would work so I quickly finished getting dressed and ready for the day, and was just finishing up with the end of my hair when there was a knock on the door to my bedroom. So I quickly finished and tucked my rattail comb back in an inside pocket of my Biker jacket that I kept a few essential things.

And went to the door to see who it was. When I had the door open wide enough, I saw that it was one of the chamber maids. A girl that was probably no older than sixteen at the most. As soon as she saw me, she immediately opened her mouth saying. "My Grandmother, the main house keeper sent me up here to see if you needed any help as she heard moving about. But seeing as you have no need of help this morning, is there anything that needs to be done in your room?" At the question I quickly answer.

"No. I won't be needing any help in the mornings unless I ask for some it. As for cleaning and tidying up my room then I don't see any problem with it. But wait until I'm not in my room, because for the most part if I'm in my room then I would really appreciate it if I wasn't disturbed unless absolutely necessary. And by the way what is your name?" I ask the last question as an after thought. "Yes miss. And my name is Andraya Faye Jerald, but everybody calls me Raya." Replies Raya almost startled at my question.

"Well Raya nice to meet you, but I have a few things that I need to do then I will be out of your way so you can clean the room." I say with a genuine and sweet but rarely given smile. I know what you're thinking. "What you rarely smile? What is going on?" There are only a small few who actually knows me as my real self. Where as most of the people in 2011 always called me the wicked witch of the west or their personal favorite the wicked b**** of the west.

At hearing this Raya quickly replies with a nod and turns to head back down the stairs. "Yes, miss." I quickly shut the door again and make sure that it is locked then go over to the bed where all the rest of the weapons that I had on me yesterday were put and when I saw my combat knife I quickly tied it to my left calf sheath and all so that I had two weapons on me and that there was one on each leg.

I then took the other hand gun and holster that I had with me and went over to the big heavy dresser and pulled it out from the wall a ways, as soon as it was far enough away from the wall I took my knife out and made some holes just big enough for zip ties so that I could zip tie the pistol to the back of the dresser so that no one would ever find it. When the holes were made I put my knife back away and began zip tying the pistol to the dresser. When it was done I quickly pushed the dresser back into place against the wall.

Then made sure that everything that was mine from the 21st century was hidden or put away so that nobody would see it. With this done I went to the door opened it and headed down the stairs as I was in really dire need of the little girls outhouse as I couldn't call it a little girls room as it is not really a room. When I got back inside I saw that the family of the house and the other servants were stirring and getting breakfast on so I went back up to my room and got the small sketch pad and charcoal pencils out of my other inside of my jacket.

Then went back down stairs to the family sitting room so that I could draw in peace for a few minutes. I must have gotten so into my drawing that I didn't even notice that I had drawn a croud around me, until I was pulled from my drawing and thoughts by the dinner bell. When the bell began to chime I looked up and that's when I noticed that I had gathered a bunch of people around me, not just the family of the house, but even a few of the servants were standing there just looking at me and my work with shock, awe, and even curiosity about what I was doing.

At seeing them I looked back down at what I had been working on and was shocked to see a full body detailed sketch of Jason in his full 21st century military dress uniform looking just exactly the way he was looking right before we parted and I left on this mission. I look at my work and realized that there was still some work that needed to be done to it before it would be finished.