XXVII. The Return

Summer, 1607

Dear John,

I am very weak. Nonetheless, I was compelled to reach out to you this one last time. As I lay in my tent, I think of all the memories we've shared together. I wasn't sure what to think of this young man, who I met more than ten years ago. Yet he has grown into the best mate I ever had. Even more so than my cousin, Edward Wingfield who has failed to take over the colony from Ratcliffe and is returning to England. As for you, I hope you soon recover. There is a woman here who is missing you. She visits me every day. She fears my time may be near... . I may not live to see my wife and children again. Even so, while there are some regrets and some changes I would have wanted to make, knowing you and having you as a friend for all these years is something I will cherish forever. Perhaps some day, in another life, or in eternity, we shall be reunited once more. Godspeed.

Sincerely,

Bart

Autumn, 1608

Dear Smithy,

It appears my time has come. On the morrow I will be executed for treason. So many times you know I had not a care what should happen to me. Now I will admit to you I am terrified.

I never mentioned this to anyone, but a long time ago, before our mission more than ten years ago, I had traveled to Spain a few times secretly. You know the Spanish have good wine and I needed time away. There was a girl I met in Seville. I traveled back a few times, knowing full well, she was one of them, the enemy. Shortly before I had to leave to fulfill duties to the Queen, on this voyage, she had a son. As I have written to them, I cannot help but imagine what could have been... .

Before you left, I was to be executed on a different matter. However with 'that man' being clasped, the remaining members dismissed my charges. I was to be free, until a fight occurred with a certain blacksmith. He had found one of my letters written in Spanish and took it in front of the colony. Our 'old mate,' Martin ultimately decided I had committed treason. I am told he is on his way back to England. Good riddance, I say!

I write this to you, having met a certain woman and how you feel about her...I completely understand. In both cases they may be different from us, but they are not what we have been taught to think. They are not our enemies after all. I regret not telling you my secret sooner had I known about her before being locked away until your departure. I had not the time to tell you then. I only hope you get another chance. As for me, I can only make peace with God and hope to be reunited with our other comrade. Perhaps one day we shall all see one another, again. Cheers, mate, as always.

Sincerely,

Kenny

Winter, 1609

Dear Smith,

I know we have not always been on the best of terms, but if you were here now, we would be so much better off. You have truly been missed. I have not said such before, but your leadership is admirable. The members we have do not have the rapport your had with the natives. I see why you befriended them, and her. She certainly had me think differently when I met her. She is devoted to her people. She has tried to speak with us, but there others in Jamestown will not listen. I have tried speaking to them, to no avail. It appears with the strain in relationship, we are fending for ourselves, and we are not faring well. Many, including Percy have decided to return to England. Martin and his crew have returned, yet we may not have enough to tide the winter. 'Tis how dire we are. I want you to know, while time has passed, and others have passed on, I have thought of you. I hope you will be able to return. She misses you as well.

Sincerely,

Arch

Spring, 1611

Wingapo, John

Yes, 'tis me. Thomas is writing this letter for me. I know it has been so long. I have been trying to reach you along with the others. I hope this one reaches you. How I miss you, my dear John!

There is too much unsettled here. I must make things right. I have to decided to see the King and Queen and hope I can plead on behalf of my country. I very much hope to be be reunited. I am coming soon,

Anah,

Pocahontas

Autumn, 1611

Smith had stepped onto dry ground for the first time in months, but the first time in years in the New World. It has been far too long. After bringing along long lost family, including the woman who ultimately followed him to England, Smith found himself walking amongst the graves at Jamestown. He finally stopped at the stone cross, which marked the grave of his good mate, Bart. He was joined by Thomas, and old crew mate Martin.

"I am very sorry, John." An old crew mate tried to console.

"Are you, Martin?!" John glared at him. "You had Kenny killed!"

"I was outnumbered by the other council members, John. With his record, they were not going to let him go that time. If it is any consolation, it was one of my biggest regrets. Believe me, it was much harder seeing him executed, knowing Ratcliffe did not meet his demise until later."

"You are fortunate he is gone for good—the King made sure of that."

He wasn't sure if John was hearing him, seemingly staring off at the site, but he added."I never thought I would see the day you would be in charge over Newport's fleet, but King James could not have found a better man."

"Much obliged."

"Well 'tis very good to see you back, John."

"Thank you, Martin. Newport will return once 'tis time."

"That I can believe, that old sea dog!"

Martin left John and Thomas behind. The latter staying far enough to provide space while giving him closure.

"So many years...all these bloody years!" John picked up his sword and angrily hurled it into a tree. "Why the buggering hell did it take so long Thomas?!"

"John—"

"I should never have left, Thomas—Never!" He shouted before fell to his knees and buried his hands in his face, his hair covering him. Never had Thomas seen him this way, even when he visited him during his recovery, he wouldn't relent his feelings to Thomas while in his presence. Now for the first time, he was facing what was left of his comrades, among those his best mate. "If I only knew about Kenny sooner, perhaps I could somehow have him spared...Arch, I could have reasoned with the Chief and his people...and Bart...I knew. I could see all over his face how weak he was...and I would not have lost her for all those years."

"...And had you stayed, you would be lying among these graves, not having any chance at reconciliation with your family, nor her. If not for that, Ratcliffe would still have you charged with treason, as he did while you had recovered back in England. Even then, you knew once you found those letters, they were already gone. Save for one, who you subsequently married after she crossed the Pond... ."

"Pocahontas." He finally unburied his face, though his blue eyes were red with the tears that had streamed down his face. Never had he allowed his comrades to see him so vulnerable. Yet when he saw the grave, the memories came back and he couldn't hold back any longer. He had such a release.

"I know how much he meant to you, as well as the others. You had such a bond, especially with Bart. It almost reminded me of you and I. He taught you nearly everything you know, and you taught me. I hate to admit I was a tad envious at times...but I do understand."

He finally got up. "Thomas, what I would do without you?" He embraced and patted him on the shoulder.

"Well, I suppose I could say the same...after all, I would have never had known your brothers Richard and Francis were still living, with wives and children, as well as your sister, Alice."

John pulled his sword out and playfully waved it. "You best be careful concerning my sister!" Thomas put up there hands and they both laughed. "Come now, we should get back, after all, the Chief is feasting in my and his daughter's honor."

"Right."Thomas agreed. "They certainly know how to prepare a feast!"

Up ahead, he could see his relatives. A certain raven-haired woman asked. "Are you well, John?"

He sighed. "I am most content, Pocahontas." He briefly looked back, then looked ahead. "Time to let bygones be bygones." He agreed as he rubbed her protruding belly and went back toward the village. "If we have a boy, what should we name him?"

"I like the name, Thomas."

"Funny, I do, as well." John looked in the direction of Thomas, who was having a conversation with John's sister and brothers.

Thomas, overheard and beamed at the honor...