A Demon's Fate, Ch. 4
Title: A Demon’s Fate
Author: Annie Newton
Fandom: Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (book!verse/AU)
Genre: Angst, Romance, Drama, Horror
Summery: When a letter from Henry calls Abe back to his dear friend, feelings blossom. But an old enemy lies in wait, ready to destroy the Hunters’ new found happiness.
Pairing: Abery, Crowley/Henry, a bit (a teenie, weenie little bit) of Crowley/Abraham, Henry/Edeva
Rating: NC-17 (overall) / PG (Chapter 4)
Warnings: Language, Violence, Disturbing Images/Concepts, Gore and Blood-Play, Graphic M/M Sexual Content, Non-Con/Rape, Torture and Character Death
Disclaimer: I do not own Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter nor any characters or concepts contained within.
Word Count: 2,824 (7,784 so far)
Chapter 4: Early September, 1587 – Roanoke Island, NC
Chapter 4: Early September, 1587 – Roanoke Island, NC
“We must leave!” Adams shouted. “We must leave, right this moment!”
Several in the crowd cheered the man, causing the homely farmer to beam with a pride that he rarely had the occasion to display. Calls such as, “Yes!” and “Before it is too late!” sounded from the depths of the gathering, striking through the incessant mumbling like musket fire.
Jack Barrington raised his hand, bringing a type of calm over the people. “And where would we go?”
“Back to England!” came a shrill voice, possibly belonging to the elderly Travers.
“Yes,” agreed Adams. “Back to where it is safe!”
“You forget why we left England to begin with,” Barrington countered. He looked out over the throng, meeting the hostile glares of the dissenters with cool authority. “The mother country is a place of persecution, not safety.”
Perched atop a crate, Benjamin Goodwin retorted angrily, “I would rather be cowed than lose my scalp to a savage!”
“I understand your alarm about the natives,” said John White, his deep baritone echoing around the square. “But I do not think that they will turn hostile towards us. It is not in their nature to do so.”
“Tell that to George Howe, Governor.”
White gritted his teeth. He threw a glance over his shoulder, espying the shape of the man who had just spoken outlined against the fiery backdrop of the setting sun. “You are not contributing helpfully, Crowley.”
“Perhaps not,” the doctor replied, causally stepping forward to take a place along the front row of the onlookers. “And I do apologize for talking out of turn. However, I feel that it is my civic duty to remind Your Honor that the peaceful natives that you speak of have already struck,” he paused, far from ignorant of the rapt attention being paid him from the spectators, “and they have struck brutally.”
Murmurs of assent swept through the crowd like a wave, the sight of Howe’s broken form still fresh within the peoples’ anxious minds. “I have to wonder, Governor,” Thomas Crowley continued, adjusting the tinted glasses upon his nose, “just how much longer the natives will remain passive toward us. Especially so when you consider their lasting anger over the botched attack on their village early last month.”
“Yes!” Goodwin cried as he stepped forward, placing himself in front of White, an angry haze making the whites of his eyes glow in the dimming light. “They are heathens! They will demand blood for blood!”
“And what would you have us do, Ben?” said Barrington, attempting to remain the voice of reason in a group that was fast becoming a mob.
Rounding on the fair-headed builder, Goodwin drew himself up as he continued his challenge, “Go back. Go back to England or make war with the savages, before they make war with us!”
Half of those gathered erupted into hollers for war, their own emotions turning murderous in light of self-preservation. Governor White allowed them their voice, a scowl upon his thin face as he contemplated his own words. A quick glance to Crowley showed the doctor with nothing but a serene countenance, a fact that sincerely grated on White. Crowley had picked at the scab, and now the wound bled freely.
“Quiet!” White raised his arms, waving for attention. “Please, quiet I say!” Gradually, the throng hushed, albeit reluctantly. White breathed, attempting to get fresh oxygen to his lungs, in spite of the oppressive humidity that moistened the air around them all. “I was appointed Governor by Sir Walter Raleigh himself before we set sail to this new world. We came for a single purpose: to colonize this land.
“We will not be returning to England with this aim unfulfilled! Nor,” he paused as some shouted their objections. “Nor will we flame existing hostilities between our people and the natives any further by waging battle against them!”
“We will starve!”
“That is, unless we are attacked first!”
“Order! We will keep order here!” Sagging, White ran his fingers through his hair, the oily locks smearing some of the dirt embedded upon his palm. “You must not make enemies of the natives for it is from them that you will require assistance!”
Adams shushed those around him, confusion in his eyes. “What do you mean, ‘us’, Governor?”
“It is a fact that this colony is in real danger,” thundered White, to a suddenly and chillingly silent crowd. “We are low on rations, much of the food having spoiled aboard ship. This drought that has seized upon this land has prevented our crops from taking root, denying us the wheat and the rye that we require to survive this country’s winter.
“Because of this, because of our dire situation, I will at once set out for England and return with a proper supply of provisions for our people! Food, clothing, munitions and more manpower in order to erect this colony as it should be!”
“You will be leaving?” inquired Crowley in a gravelly purr. There was an odd look of barely contained amusement on his face, which White could not help from blanching at.
“Yes,” White affirmed, reading the panic as it spread across the village like wildfire at his announcement. “Yes I will be leaving, but I will make haste to come back. In the meantime, it has become abundantly clear to me that in order to survive, we must mend our relations with the natives, for it is them that you will have to rely on for food until my return.”
Jeers came from the back of the group, some of the more rebellious men challenging White’s decision. “Barrington - !” White roared over the mean heckles, reminding himself to maintain a calm voice. “Barrington will take my place as governor! He will command this colony,” he gestured Crowley, who had grown abruptly sullen, “and the good Dr. Crowley will assist Barrington in his governorship, being his second! I will leave detailed instructions for the two of them to abide by!
“This is my final word, and as Governor of the Colony of Roanoke, you are bound to adhere to it!” A nervous jitter settled upon the shoulders of the colonists, the gravity of their situation perhaps dawning in their minds. They would soon be without their appointed leader, alone in a strange world with ever dwindling supplies and with Satan’s spawn watching from the cover of the tree line. Fear swam in their eyes, a terror that was barely contained by their sworn allegiance to the Crown. “This meeting is adjourned!”
oOo
The smell of cooking meat flavored the air of the cottage, temporarily banishing the mustiness that had settled into the old planks of wood and fresh skins of furs. The cabin’s door, a thatched weave of twigs and bark, was propped open, allowing what little breeze existed in the thick autumn warmth to blow freely through the single room.
Breathing deeply of the clean wind, Edeva Sturges glanced out the door, hoping to catch sight of her husband walking up the dirt path on his way back from the governor’s meeting. He was past due, and now the sun was sinking beneath the trees, the shadows lengthening to swallow the half of the encampment in which they lived. Though she tried to fight it, a ball of anxiety threatened to roll her stomach.
“I am afraid,” said Eleanor, unconsciously echoing Edeva’s own mood. Little Virginia squirmed in her mother’s grip, crying out of hunger. “I knew this was a terrible idea! For a woman in my condition…” Bouncing her baby girl, Eleanor Dare paced the length of the room, her panic causing her voice to rise in pitch. “I should have resisted more. I should have refused to come!”
Picking up on her mother’s distress, Virginia increased her wailing, causing fresh tears of despair from Eleanor’s blue, red-rimmed eyes. “Oh Eleanor,” Edeva crossed over to the young woman, offering to take the baby in hope to perhaps calm the child. Once in Edeva’s arms, Virginia quieted, lessening her screams until they were gone altogether. Edeva held her close, cradling the girl to her own bosom.
Eleanor smiled through her tears, watching her neighbor with an instinctive envy as Edeva tended to Virginia. “You are good,” she said, wiping the wetness from her freckled cheeks. “You will make a lovely mother some day, Edeva.”
“Some day soon, I do hope.” Edeva looked to her friend, seeing the unspoken question within her watery eyes. “My flow has begun for this month.” Running a finger along Virginia’s tiny head, Edeva grinned sadly at the small, pinched face. “Not yet,” she said slowly.
“It will happen,” assured Eleanor, peaceful once again. “Just keep trying.”
“What will happen?”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Edeva turned to face her husband. “Henry! I was beginning to worry,” she said, handing Virginia back to her mother. Chastely, she embraced the man before her, decorum keeping her from doing much else with her lover while in the daylight. “Nothing, Henry,” Edeva answered, blushing slightly at being caught in such an intimate discussion with another female.
“Woman’s talk, Mr. Sturges. It is nothing to concern yourself over.”
Henry loosened his wife’s grip, unwrapping Edeva’s long, sun-colored arms from his neck and shoulders. “Mrs. Dare,” he said, acknowledging the woman. Squeezing one of Edeva’s delicate hands, Henry bowed slightly from the waist towards Eleanor. “I thank you for keeping my wife company during this difficult time.”
“I do believe that Edeva helped me more than I her,” responded Eleanor, with a quirk of gratitude on her lips. “I must be on my way home. Ananias will be returning now, I am sure.”
Leaving her husband, Edeva gave a reassuring hug to her friend. “Be safe,” she said. She placed a kiss on Virginia’s forehead, “The both of you.”
“Is Eleanor well?” asked Henry after the other woman was out of earshot.
Edeva watched from the open door as the new mother left with her baby, walking hurriedly through the throngs of mingling people to reach her family’s lodge. She too knew the feelings of vulnerability that Eleanor bore. She experienced them as well.
“Edeva?”
“Yes, she is well.” Facing Henry, Edeva flashed a cautious smile. “She was only expressing the trepidation that she suffers in light of the colony’s situation; her worry over what is to be done.” Her grin faltered, and she chewed her lower lip. “I am afraid that I share her concern.”
“Well, there will be no reason to worry for much longer,” Henry said, inspecting the contents of the cooking pot simmering over the fire. “Governor White has come to a decision. He sails for England tomorrow and will return with supplies and men.”
“Tomorrow?” Taking a seat in a chair, Edeva clutched at her chest. “What does he expect us to do until his return?”
Henry rotated the quail, making sure that the bird’s breast was cooked thoroughly. “Keep on as we are, as best as we can,” he looked at his wife, seeing her unease. Knowing full well her view of the Indians, Henry decided to tread carefully in regards to his next statement. “Because they are so much better adapted to this land, White wants us to strengthen our friendship with the natives, so that they can assist us in surviving until his return.”
Edeva’s face grew pale, her cheeks quickly draining of their beautiful rosy hue. “He would have us align with the savages? But…surely Governor White will not be gone so long that we would have to seek out their friendship?”
“It will be at least several months, Edeva. Winter may very well have settled over us by the time he might be expected back.” Sighing, Henry crouched in front of Edeva, lightly holding her hand. “I understand your unease, I do. But the Governor believes that we will require their help. And he is probably right.”
Eyes watering, Edeva slowly nodded. “I am just scared, Henry. This colony has been cursed from the start! And now…now we have to rely on the heathens.” With her free hand, Edeva wiped at her tears, averting her gaze. “I am beginning to think that coming here was a mistake.”
“Eva…” Henry squeezed his wife’s hand, brushing golden hair away from her down-turned face. “Eva, please do not speak like this. We will be all right. We came here for a better life, and a better life is what we will have.” He brought her palm to his lips, placing a soft kiss upon her ivory skin. “We just have to believe. Yes?”
Ever so slowly, Edeva’s tears ran dry and she smiled, love making her eyes gleam brilliantly with hope. “Of course, Henry. When will I learn to not doubt your judgment?”
“It is not in your nature to be silent,” Henry chuckled. He pulled her up, caressing her slender waist with reverent hands. “And I would not have you any other way.” Their lips met, smacking as they slid together in want. Carding her fingers through her lover’s long mane, Edeva moaned as Henry slipped his tongue into her mouth, hugging her own petite frame against the powerful form of his.
“Henry…” she whimpered, her breaths coming short and fast. “Henry, I…ah!” Edeva quickly pulled away, fear exploding within her eyes as she stared at the cabin door.
“Oh please, do not stop on my account, my lady.”
Stunned, Henry twisted, facing the open doorway with a mixture of surprise and irritation. “Oh, Doctor,” he said, relaxing only a little in response to the sight that greeted him. “I did not know you were there.”
“You were preoccupied.” The corners of Crowley’s mouth crinkled as he tried to suppress a devilish grin, “It is understandable.”
“I beg pardon, but may I ask why you are here?” Out of the corner of his vision, Henry saw Edeva turn her back to the two men, her hands working to conceal the deep blush that painted her delicate face. He failed to note that her hands were shaking.
The contempt in Crowley’s words as he replied bordered on insubordination, though Henry chose to ignore it. “Governor White wishes for his armor to be mended in preparation for his voyage in the morn.” He smiled, an artificial gesture, the blaze of the cooking fire reflecting in his shaded glasses. “I thought it best for you to begin as soon as possible, to accommodate our lordship.”
“Henry, no!” Having duly collected herself, Edeva spun into Henry’s arms, unconsciously seeking protection. She glanced out the door, seeing the dark of the night being pulled over the colony like a blanket. “It is late and we are ready to dine.”
“I will wait outside,” said Crowley, ducking under the low-hanging entryway.
Edeva clutched at her husband’s shirt, leaning in close. “Henry, please do not go!”
Sighing heavily, Henry grasped her shoulders, pushing her away a bit. “I am sorry, Edeva. Truly. But if the Governor commands my services, how can I refuse?” He turned to collect the worn, leather bag containing his most precious blacksmith’s tools, “It is a great honor to aid him, and if providence shall allow, such a commission could bring great honor to our family.”
Henry turned to leave, but was cut off by his wife, a nervous, nearly panic-stricken expression marring her beautiful face. “Please Henry,” she whispered, her alarm causing her tone to be unnaturally high, “I do not trust him.”
“Who?” Narrowing his eyes, Henry leaned down, drawing Edeva close. “Who do you not trust, Edeva?”
Pressing her mouth into a thin line, Edeva flicked her eyes in the direction of the door. “Crowley.”
Before he could stop himself, Henry had snorted with amusement. “Sorry,” he said when she frowned at him. “Edeva, there is nothing to be concerned of in regards to Crowley. He is a doctor. He makes it his life’s work to help people.”
Edeva swallowed thickly, rolling her gaze to the roof in hesitancy. “He is strange. Something just seems to be off about him.”
“Do not concern yourself with Thomas, Eva.” Henry stroked Edeva’s jaw, tracing the sharp line with his thumb. “He may be strange, but he is no threat. Now, do not wait for me tonight, Edeva. Eat and get some sleep. I will return when I can.” Henry placed a hurried, chaste kiss upon her forehead and then jogged out into the night.
Through the open doorway, Edeva glimpsed her husband catching up to Crowley. The doctor had removed his spectacles and after a brief discussion, the two men began their journey to the heart of the village, where Henry would spend the next few hours hammering away within his workshop for the pleasure of an aristocrat. Before they were out of sight, however, Crowley turned and winked at Edeva, somehow discerning her glare of displeasure.
Edeva hastily pulled the door shut, shivering despite the muggy nighttime air.
oOo
Author’s Note: Well, you just read the first flashback chapter! Yay!
This was a bit different for me to write, so I hope it turned out alright. I’m not too sure I like the village meeting part, with everyone screaming and yelling and all. But I was trying to show fear and discord, with authority just barely being adhered to. And I think that Crowley turned out a bit creepier than I had originally intended, but you know what, I think I like it!
Well anyway, I got a new job and I start tomorrow! Gosh I can’t tell you how relieved I am! But it will be a stressful day regardless, so…could I please ask you all for reviews? It’ll make me feel better…!
There are reference photos of Edea and Crowley in my FanFiction profile. As I’ve said before, I see Guy Pearce as the perfect Crowley (despite the fact that the character was described differently in the book) and as for Edeva, I see her as Kiera Knightly! (I fell in love with the movie The Duchess, and I thought that Kiera and Dom’s on-screen chemistry was just too perfect to pass up!)
Well, that’s it, so until next time we meet! Love you all! Really and truly!