Eunice appeared carrying a cloth bundle of food.
She pressed it into Hannah’s hands and told her to keep the bread dry.
Hannah embraced her.
Eunice’s shoulders shook, but she did not make a sound.
She had decided to remain behind long enough to help others who had not yet found a route.
Daniel respected her choice while fearing what it would cost her.
Avery had arranged a meeting point at the northern stream.
Jonah would be waiting there with a second wagon.
The plan depended on reaching the stream before Silas noticed anyone missing.
They moved through the orchard after midnight.
Isaiah led the horses by hand so the wagon wheels would not rattle across the stones.
Daniel walked behind them, watching the yard.
The moon cast a pale line across the chapel bell.
For one moment the estate looked peaceful.
Daniel thought of the people sleeping inside its cabins and hated the beauty of the deception.
A lantern appeared near the stable.
He raised his hand.
Everyone stopped.
Two figures crossed the yard.
One was Silas.
The other was Richard’s steward.
They moved directly toward the forge.
Daniel understood that their absence would be discovered within minutes.
He told Isaiah to take the wagon onward.
“I’ll delay them.”
Isaiah refused.
“You’re not staying.”
“I’ll follow by the creek.”
Hannah looked between them.
“Don’t make promises you cannot keep.”
Daniel met her eyes.
“I intend to reach the creek.”
She took Samuel’s hand and urged the wagon forward.
Isaiah hesitated one last time, then followed.
Daniel turned toward the forge, carrying his empty toolbox.
When Silas reached the door, Daniel stepped into the light.
“What are you doing here?” the overseer demanded.
“Putting away tools.”
“Where’s Isaiah?”
“He had work at the far shed.”
Silas looked past him.
The forge was dark.
“Don’t lie to me.”
The steward lifted his lantern.
Behind Daniel, fresh wheel tracks crossed the packed earth.
Silas saw them.
He reached for his whip.
Daniel moved before the overseer could seize him.
He swung the empty toolbox into the lantern, knocking it to the ground.
The light went out without igniting the damp earth.
Silas cursed and stumbled.
Daniel ran between the shed and the orchard.
A gunshot cracked behind him.
He did not know whether the steward had fired into the air or aimed at him.
He ran until his lungs burned.
At the creek he slipped on a wet stone and struck his knee.
