Free THE CRY FOR FREEDOM (Winds of Betrayal) by Jerri Hines

had returned to their home when Malcolm, came in search of their aid.  Hannah, it had appeared, had disappeared into the night chasing God knows who.
    Jonathan stood on top of the horse posting, scanning the area in hopes of catching a glimpse of his father. Rumblings abounded; mumbling against Lord Dunmore, angry and aggressive. Some faces were unfamiliar, clothed like a backwoodsman, with their white hunting shirts and either round broad rimmed hats or caps with dangling fur tails.
    Jonathan saw an opening. He jumped from his perch and squeezed his way through. Someone was addressing the crowd. Standing upon a wagon pulled in for that purpose, Mayor Dixon looked worn, though tried to maintain calm.
    “Don’t panic,” Mayor Dixon called. “Haven’t Peyton and Joseph volunteered to address Governor Dunmore? We will have our explanation. Don’t move as of yet.”
    The rumblings continued as a man not far from Mayor Dixon climbed up on the wagon wheel. His face red with rage, he shouted, “There is no need for explanation. It is plain why. Death to Dunmore!”
    Jonathan watched. A man emerged behind Mayor Dixon. John Corbett placed his hand firmly down upon the other’s shoulder. “Hank, it does no good reacting without thinking. Let Peyton go to Governor Dunmore. We aren’t going to let this pass,” John stated softly but firmly, trying to soother the emotions flowing.
    “It is now, John. He doesn’t deserve our patience. String him up is too good for him,” Daniel Evans cried as the others followed suit. Chants rang out, “Death to Dunmore!”
    John stepped beside Mayor Dixon, raising his hands. Jonathan’s eyes transfixed upon his father. He stood solemnly over viewing the crowd.
    “Don’t think that I wouldn’t be beside you, Daniel, to defend our town, colony or family,” John spoke. Suddenly the crowd quieted, listening to his every word. “Do you not think that this injustice flows hot through my veins? We have to be careful how we tread, for every step now has to be sound for us to reach the freedom we so desire. Make no doubt, they will know of which we stand. They will hear our cries within the wind and see it within our eyes, a fire that will not be put out by a cowardly action.
    “If we react impulsively now, don’t you think they would use it against us? Our dream of freedom isn’t going to disappear as our guns have. It will only grow stronger. With each action they take, we will only get stronger. The British will have no choice but to acknowledge us.
    “Let them know that we stand together and aren’t afraid of what challenges face us. Aren’t we prepared to pay whatever price we have to for the nation we so desire? It is for our children and our children’s children. And if we die, then they will have a proud heritage behind them in the nation that we will help create. But it will serve no purpose to react violently now. Let us wait until the delegation returns and prepare ourselves for that time.”
    Jonathan broke through the crowd. He motioned for his father and whispered in his ear. Within moments, John jumped off the wagon.
    * * * *
    The morning headline from the Virginia Gazette read - The Sword is drawn and God knows when it will be sheathed. Jonathan studied his father. His eyes strained; he held his head as if it pounded. Undoubtedly, he was worried. His father had been busy all day and now, tonight, sat at his desk with his sons before him.
    “I don’t believe we have much choice here. It  will be safer for the females to go back to Nathanial’s. The tension is only going to escalate more,” John began. “Thank goodness the device is safe. Not that I would admit to my youngest that her adventurous nature saved it, but now we know they are aware we have it.”
    “Doesn’t that warrant a bigger concern if they consider us spies?” William asked. He took a seat across from his father. “Does this blow our cover for what we hoped to obtain?”
    “Only if they succeed