Patriot Press

Welcome to Patriot Press!

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We are pleased to announce that Jessica James' new novel Noble Cause is now available in a hardcover print edition as well as e-book formats that can be read on all of the major readers.

Praised by readers of romantic and historical fiction since its publication in 2008, the award-winning historical fiction novel Shades of Gray now has a new ending in this special 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Commemorative edition.

This is the tale of Colonel Alexander Hunter, a dauntless and daring Confederate cavalry officer, who, with his band of intrepid outcasts, becomes a legend in the rolling hills of northern Virginia. Inspired by love of country and guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when he discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy.

Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the paths of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.”

(ISBN: 978-0-9796000-4-3 $26.99)

On the non-fiction side, we are pleased to announce the release of a new booklet called the Gettysburg Handbook: Tip Booklet for Travelers.

The booklet is an insider's guide to Gettysburg, giving visitors tips on everything from the must-see places in Gettysburg, to dining, day trips, museums, events, and, most importantly, road construction in 2011!

This one-of-a-kind guide also gives Fast Facts about the Battle of Gettysburg, and information on exploring the town. Additionally, it includes a list of "must-see monuments," and tells visitors about other Gettysburg landmarks and attractions that are close by, but off the beaten path.

If you're planning a trip to Gettysburg, don't forget to download a copy of the Pocket Guide, available for just $.99! It's available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

Shades of Gray, our first release, has garnered a number of awards since its 2008 release, including an IPPY and an Indie for Best Regional Fiction.

It has also climbed to #1 on the Amazon best-seller list in the romance/historical category, temporarily overtaking the classic Gone with the Wind.
Please visit historical fiction author Jessica James' website for reviews, interviews and award information.
(ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5 $21.99)

We've also had great success with our first non-fiction release, written by Civil War historian and author Michael Aubrecht called, The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional.

Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the 19th-century Christian soldier. These are: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Every devotion contains a relevant verse of Scripture, an associated quote and a short vignette on a related topic. A bonus study-guide that will enable the user to read the Bible in one-year is also included.

ISBN: 978-9796000-1-2 196 pages. $19.99)

Take a moment to browse, and please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you!

Our books are also available for purchase through Ingram.

Comments are welcome at patriotpress(at)live.com

MEDIA ROOM

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COMING SOON!

Information on our authors, Jessica James and Michael Aubrecht

Reviews for Shades of Gray

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"Shades of Gray" is a beautiful story with a timeless message. It touched my heart and soul.”
– Catherine Bennett, Amazon Reviewer

“Kept me entranced from the exciting beginning to the unexpected ending. Shades of Gray has the power to touch you deeply…”
– Beverly Rowe, MyShelf.com

“Jessica James has created one of the most moving Civil War stories I have ever read. I had to remind myself this was fiction.”
– Debra Gaynor, Reviewyourbooks.com

“If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it, read Shades of Gray. The book took my breath away. Honestly, you will not sleep.”
– A Bookworm’s Dinner blog

“I felt like I had actually lived in the beautiful state of Virginia!”
– Betty Cox, New Book Reviews

“Well written and expertly executed… You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War.”
– Heather Froeschl, Book Review Journal

“This is not a contemporary retelling of the Civil War as much as it is a sympathetic and loving portrait. Interpersonal conflict as well as battlefield conflict make the book a page-turner and quick read.”
– Historical Novel Society

“… Exciting, intense, romantic, and thrilling from start to finish.”
– Bob O’Connor, Author of The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln

Shades of Gray is a Recommended Read for Book Sense by Heartland Reviews and received a four-star review. You can read the full review here: http://www.heartlandreviews.com/Historical_Novels.html

“In its brief, brilliant, and tragic history, the Southern Confederacy exhibited extraordinary valor and devotion and high honor. This should never be forgotten by Americans. As long as there are writers like Jessica James, there is no danger of such forgetting.”
– Clyde N. Wilson
Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History, University of South Carolina

“ I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in years! Shades of Gray is an incredible achievement and a treasure.”
– Virginia Morton, Historian/ Author of “Marching Through Culpeper”

“Re-enactors, historians, and followers of The War for Southern Independence will love this novel! It is fast moving and holds the reader's interest from cover to cover.”
– David Wright, past commander Dearing-Beauregard Camp 1813, Sons of Confederate Veterans

"Readers will find the attention to historical detail impeccable and the characters are so strongly drawn that the history does not eclipse the forward trajectory of the story."
– Foreword Magazine

“Shades of Gray” takes the reader on a whirlwind journey across the Old Dominion with a highly original and historically accurate plotline.”
– Michael Aubrecht, Pinstripe Press

“Absolutely, a beautifully written novel. I want to go back and read it again.”
– Donna Edwards, Media Specialist, Pembroke Elementary School

"... an engaging read. I didn't want to put it down at all. My eyes kept getting heavier and heavier, but I wanted to keep going. I told myself 'just one more chapter' at least half a dozen times."
- Becky Laney, Becky's Book Reviews
Read the full review here: http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2008/02/shades-of-gray.html

Civil War blogger Scott Mingus was nice enough to post this awesome review on his site at www.scottmingus.wordpress.com

One of the trends in tradebook publishing in the past two decades has been the strong growth of historical fiction, particularly those books aimed at women. Combining plots that strongly emphasis character development and personal interrelationships with believable historical situations and settings, these books generally sell very well and appeal to a broad audience. Some, like Cold Mountain, have become best sellers that have cut across across wide genre of readers.

The most recent addition to this segment of the book industry comes from a Gettysburg author, Jessica James. Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia (ISBN 978-0-9796000-0-5, softback, 524 pages) is a worthy addition to the line up. Published by Patriot Press, the novel concerns the growing relationship between a Virginian who is a ardent secessionist and Confederate advocate. The lead female character, by contrast, is a devoted Unionist. The interplay of their divergent beliefs, coupled with the backdrop of the growing war, is well written and sustaining. Crisp, well flowing, and with a storyline that holds your attention, James shows off her talents as a novelist, as well as revealing a solid understanding of the Civil War era.

Her powerful prose is both descriptive and evocative, vividly painting a word picture that draws the reader into the action. For example, in a passage concerning the bursting of an artillery shell that kills the heroine’s horse, James writes, “Justus, startled by the thunderous clamor, reared high in the air, throwing Andrea backward and off balance. She heard an appalling thud, a loud crack, the sound of iron consuming flesh and bone. She leaned forward, grabbing erratically for a handful of mane to regain her balance. But there was no mane to grab. The strong, well-muscled animal between her legs had dissolved. Disappeared. He was gone.” Similar strong passages dot the book.

I trust that Jessica James will continue to share her talents in future books. Her work stands out among the best of the historical novelists, and is a worthy addition to the Civil War fiction line-up. Huzzah!

About Patriot Press

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Though small and independent, Patriot Press is no less committed to quality books than the larger publishing houses. In fact, we take our subject matter to heart, valuing the integrity and strong Christian principles of the patriots that created, defended and maintain our great nation.

Patriot Press is proud to publish books that emphasize traditional American values. Our high standards insure good, wholesome content that is both educational and inspirational.

It is our privilege to invite you to take a step back in time and meet the men and women who were destined to teach future generations the meaning of virtue, courage, and honor.

All of our books are proudly printed in the USA.

The Southern Cross

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The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional
By Michael Aubrecht
ISBN: 978-0-9796000-1-2
Retail: $19.99
196 pages. Soft cover.
April, 2008

Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the 19th-century Christian soldier. These are: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy.

Each of these positive character traits is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. Every devotion contains a relevant verse of Scripture, an associated quote and a short vignette on a related topic.

There are forty of these uplifting devotions, ten encouraging essays, a special sermon that was presented to the soldiers in the field and a short biographical tribute to six of the South’s most pious commanders. A bonus study-guide that will enable the user to read the Bible in one-year is also included.

ORDER TODAY using the Add to Cart icon on the left.

OUR STORE

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We do not charge for shipping at Patriot Press.

Please order books using the "Add to Cart" buttons at left.

We appreciate your business!

PRESS RELEASES

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Author Interview 9/12/2008
Check out Jessica James' latest interview and feel free to leave a comment! It's on Marsha Ward's blog Writer in the Pines.

Press Release 7/13/2008

Patriot Press novels wins another award

Patriot Press has announced that Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia, by Gettysburg author Jessica James, has won a gold medal for Best Regional Fiction in the Indie Book Awards contest and was a finalist in the Historical Fiction category. The book also garnered a silver medal for Best Regional Fiction in the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

“I am certainly honored that Shades of Gray is receiving such wonderful praise from the Civil War community,” James said, “and the awards are a wonderful bonus.”

Because of the quality and style of writing in Shades of Gray, James has been asked to review a spec script for a two-hour pilot of a Civil War movie.

“I was delighted when they asked me to review the screenplay and help with the dialogue,” James said. “I spent a lot of time reading nineteenth century literature in order to make the dialogue in my novel sound authentic and natural.”

Lauded for its ability to evoke intense emotion, Shades of Gray presents the passionate debate of The War Between the States in an epic tale of love and adventure. Bookpleasures.com says “[emotions] seem to transcend the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.”

Shades of Gray can be purchased at bookstores or from Internet book retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Signed copies can be purchased from James through her Web site www.jessicajamesbooks.com.

Press Release 4/7/2008

Publisher discounts book for American Civil War Birthday April 12

In recognition of April 12 being celebrated as the birthday of the American Civil War, Gettysburg publisher Patriot Press is discounting the price of their 2008 release Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia for one day only.
At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, Confederates under Gen. Pierre Beauregard opened fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, S.C., marking the beginning of the bloody four-year war that claimed more than 600,000 lives.
“To mark that historic event and draw attention to the significance of that day, my publisher has agreed to offer a one-day discount of 25% off the purchase price plus free shipping at their Web site www.patriotpressbooks.com on April 12,” said author Jessica James. “I’m so pleased that those readers who have seen all the wonderful reviews will now have the chance to purchase it at a discounted price.”
The Civil War is the backdrop for the page-turning plot of Shades of Gray, which is gathering attention for its accurate portrayal of the conflict and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war.
Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, the novel has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers. Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate account of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”
Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere.

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Press Release 3/21/08

‘The Southern Cross’ released by Patriot Press

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Gettysburg publisher Patriot Press announces the release of “The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional” by Virginian historian Michael Aubrecht.

Filled with stories that are both educational and enlightening, The Southern Cross recognizes the five virtues of the Christian soldier: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Each of these is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the War Between the States. There are 40 uplifting devotions, as well as 10 encouraging essays that address some of the subject matter in greater detail.

Also included is a special sermon that was presented to Confederate soldiers in the field. Six biographical tributes to the South's most pious commanders follow and testify to the strength and spirit of 19th-century military leaders. As a bonus, a Bible reading plan will enable the reader to apply the principles of these patriots in their own lives.

Michael Aubrecht is a Christian Civil War historian and author from Fredericksburg, Va., who specializes in Southern Civil War history and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "Houses of the Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg."

The Southern Cross is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.amazon.com and bookstores.
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Press release of 3/21/20008

Jessica James to sign Civil War book in Frederick

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Gettysburg author Jessica James will sign copies of her debut book SHADES OF GRAY: A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR IN VIRGINIA at Molly’s Meanderings, 17 N. Market St. in Frederick, Md. on April 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hailed as a “sympathetic and loving portrait” by the Historical Novel Society, “Shades of Gray” has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O’Connor, award-winning author of “The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln,” calls “Shades of Gray” the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as “exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish.”

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, “Shades of Gray” is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

“Well written and expertly executed,” says The Book Review Journal. “You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War.”
Frederick County Public Libraries is sponsor of the April 5 event “Much Ado About Books,” which is bringing 18 regional authors to different spots in the downtown area. Molly’s Meanderings is located in historic downtown Frederick and is filled with treasures of a vintage, Victorian style.

Shades of Gray is available online at www.patriotpressbooks.com, www.amazon.com and at bookstores everywhere.

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Press Release of 2/17/2008

Newly released novel and Amazon data prove Virginia is for lovers
'Shades of Gray' a top romance read

GETTYSBURG, PA. According to Amazon.com, Virginia is for lovers. And according to reviewers and avid book readers-so is a newly released novel that takes place entirely in the Old Dominion.

Virginia is well represented in Amazon.com's recent list of Most Romantic Cities, garnering three of the spots in the Top 20 list, and capturing the number one spot with Alexandria.

"Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia" by Jessica James, is also collecting attention for its sweeping portrayal of the War Between the States and its passionate description of the private lives of Virginians forever changed by war.

Hailed as a "sympathetic and loving portrait" by the Historical Novel Society, "Shades of Gray" has captured the attention of Civil War authors and historians, as well as avid romance readers.

Bob O'Connor, award-winning author of "The Virginian Who Might Have Saved Lincoln," calls "Shades of Gray" the most accurate portrayal of the War Between the States he has ever read, describing it as "exciting, intense and romantic from start to finish."

Released in January, 2008, by Gettysburg-based Patriot Press, "Shades of Gray" is an epic love story that takes readers on a journey across the rolling hills of northern Virginia. It is an emotional and moving story, that illuminates the fine line between friends and enemies at a time when traditions and principles were worth defending at all costs.

"Well written and expertly executed," says The Book Review Journal. "You cannot leave this book unchanged in your understanding of the souls of the Civil War."
Shades of Gray (ISBN: 978-0-9796000-0-5) is available at www.patriotpressbooks.com, as well as Internet retailers and bookstores everywhere. (532 pages, Softcover. $27.99)

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2009 Jessica James Book Signings

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Jan. 8: Jessica James radio interview on The Authors Show.

Feb. 21: Civil War Authors Meet and Greet, 12 to 4 p.m.
Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax.
Come see this 1859 house that contains one of the area’s largest quantity and best quality of Civil War graffiti. The walls of the attic, first floor, and second floor contain more than 110 signatures of Union soldiers along with dates, regiments, sayings and drawings.

March 7: Random House Book Festival at Carroll County Community College

March 21: Virginia Festival of the Book, Charlottsville, Va.

April 18: Manassas Museum, 1 to 4 p.m.
9109 Prince William St., Manassas.

April 19: 17 on the Square, noon to 4 p.m. as part of the History Meets the Arts event in Gettysburg, Pa.

April 25: Confederate Flag Dedication Ceremony, Tampa, Fla.
The event of the year! I wouldn't miss this for anything.

May 10: Bluemont, Va. TBA

May 16: Tredeger Book Exchange, Richmond, Va.

My 2008 Events

Nov. 22: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Book Signing at Homespun Gifts and Gardens in Winchester, Va.

Nov. 10 through Nov. 22
Author Chat on LibraryThing

Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-2p.m.
Waterford, Va. for the Waterford Homes Sale and Crafts Exhibit

Sept. 28, 11 a.m-1 p.m.
Baltimore Book Fair

Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Warrenton, Va. for the annual Warrenton-Fauquier Heritage Day.

July 11, 9 to 11 a.m.
Duck's Cottage in Duck, N.C.

July 5, 4-6 p.m.
Patriot Point Village, Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg

July 4, 9 to 11 a.m.
American Civil War Museum/Gettysburg Gift Center on Steinwehr Aveue in Gettysburg, Pa.

July 3, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sheppard Farm in Hanover, Pa. for the Battle of Hanover re-enactment.

July 2, 4-6 p.m.
Union Mills Homestead, Union Mills, Md. for the J.E.B. Stuart Ride re-enactment.

April 5, 5 to 9 p.m.Molly's Meanderings, Frederick, Md.

March 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Patriot Point Village in Gettysburg, Pa., during Re-Enactor Appreciation Weekend.

Come out and say hello!

Michael Aubrecht's Resume

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Michael Aubrecht is a Christian Civil War historian and author from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is a happily married father of four, as well as a devout and active Presbyterian. He attends Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church in Central Virginia.

Michael specializes in Southern Civil War history, 19th-20th century baseball, and the positive role that Christianity played during the War Between the States. His non-fiction book titles include: "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall," "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart," and "The Southern Cross: A Civil War Devotional." Michael recently signed on with regional-history publisher 'The History Press' to produce his first secular (and fourth) title: "Houses Of The Holy: Historic Churches of Fredericksburg."

From 2000-2006 Michael was a contributing writer for Baseball-Almanac.com, and has written over 400 studies on MLB history, as well as an online eBook titled "Luckiest Fans On The Face Of This Earth: History of the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic." In 2005, Michael was commissioned to write the Introduction to noted UK sport's author John White's "Baseball Miscellany," and in 2006, he optioned the rights to one of his most popular baseball stories to a film producer in CA. He is also featured in four consecutive 'Faith Writer's Anthologies,' as well as 'The SPC Post,' 'Cross-Times,' and 'The Citizen's Companion.'

Michael is a longtime member of Faith Writers, co-founder of The Jackson Society, an Associate Member of the Sons Of Confederate Veterans (Camp #1296), Honorary Member of the John Bell Hood Historical Society, a Founder for the Gettysburg Foundation and also a contributing writer for various newspapers and magazines including 'The Free Lance-Star' and 'Civil War Historian.' In 2007, he was recognized by the FLS for penning letters that had an impact in the community, and he has received citations from the United Daughter's of the Confederacy, as well as 'Excellence in Design' awards in the Creativity Annual Awards #'s 32, 33, 34, 35. Michael received a Silver Award in #36.

He is also a member of a fast-growing community of Civil War bloggers and has been recognized by "North and South Magazine" and "Civil War Interactive" for his online editorial. His blog, is an extension of his website which promotes various books and newspaper articles that focus on the positive role that Christianity played during the Civil War.

This website represents a portfolio of Michael's work and provides links to many published materials in both print and on the web. Pinstripe Press content may NOT be reproduced without expressed written consent from Michael Aubrecht. Please email for permission to quote any research in your publication. If you're looking for someone with a great work ethic and an attention to detail to help with your publications next project, look no further. Email for free a quote. References available upon request.

Michael is periodically available for guest speaking, book signing engagements, and online chat presentations. Discounts and/or fees waived for church, military, heritage, and non-profit groups.

Email Michael at stlrsfan1(at)aol.com

Michael Aubrecht's Events

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Michael Aubrecht is periodically available for guest speaking, book signing engagements, and online chat presentations. He can provide both print and online advertising materials. These materials may include press-ready black & white print ads, email blasts, and/or promotional flyers. Fees determined by location and length of session. Books may be purchased in advance from the publisher, or provided by the author. Travel expenses are negotiable. Power Point projection requested for speaking events. Michael will provide media on CD. *Discounts and/or fees waived for church, military, heritage, and non-profit groups.

Email Michael for booking information and schedule availability at Stlrsfan1(at)Aol. Com

PRESENTATIONS:
March 19, 2008 Lee's Hill '55 Club (South Community Center)
This presentation will use digital satellite maps and VA roadside markers to highlight noteworthy historical sites in and around the Lee's Hill Community.

April 24, 2008 Spotsylvania Presbyterian Community Lecture Series
This lecture will present the histories of Fredericksburg's landmark churches during the War Between the States and Reconstruction Era. (Reception and book signing to follow.)

May 28, 2008 Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable (University of Mary Washington Alumni Center)
This program will present the life and death of Sgt. Richard R. Kirkland: The Angel of Marye's Heights. Transcripts of his personal letters will be included.

June 7-8 Winchester, Va. Civil War Gathering of Eagles.
“A Gathering of Eagles” is an educational experience designed to enlighten all who desire to learn the causes, not just the effects of the War Between the States. Individuals educated in all aspects of the contest will involve themselves in discussions that will not only entertain, but stimulate listeners to seek further knowledge of America’s greatest crisis.

August 25, 2008 Manassas Museum: Lunchtime Lecture Series
This program will present the story of the Great Revival that took place among the Confederate Army during the war. It will focus on the spiritual awakening from the perspective of the common soldier. (Book signing to follow.)
www.manassasmuseum.org
703-257-8264

TBD U.S. Christian Commission Museum, Gettysburg, PA
Great Revival presentation and book signing.

RADIO:
TBD Daily Devotional Recordings (The Southern Cross spots)
89.5 Bluegrass FM Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania, Va.

BOOK SIGNINGS:
TBD 2008: Gathering of Eagles III: Winchester Courthouse Museum

Contact Us

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Email: patriotpress(at)live.com

Chapter 1

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“But one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive;
and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came.”
– Abraham Lincoln

Northern Virginia, 1862

A piercing blast from a bugle preceded the sound of galloping horses by seconds. Captain Alexander Hunter tore his eyes away from the horse and rider he pursued and focused on a Federal cavalry unit now pursuing him.

Dammit. Tricked again.

This was not the first time the large black steed with its agile rider had been spotted in advance of a Union assault. But Hunter swore today would be the last. Signaling his men to scatter, he spurred his mount toward the forest where his foe had disappeared. His band of warriors took off in every direction, their escape aided by a roiling mass of dark-bellied clouds that launched their own assault. With the storm as an ally, Hunter knew the Federal cavalry would not long sustain the chase. He worried not for the welfare of his men, who were familiar enough with the land to evade the enemy no matter what the weather. He cared only to find the Yank who led him into the trap and see him punished.

Punished severely. Hunter lowered his hand to one of the revolvers at his hip. Damn that scoundrel. The timely arrival of Union reinforcements over the past few months could no longer be considered a mere coincidence. It was time for this cunning adversary to pay for the disruptions he’d caused.

Hunter guided his mare through the underbrush and around fallen trees, but entertained little hope of finding his antagonist. The rider possessed a habit of appearing, only to disappear into thin air. Even today, when he’d thought the elusive character within his grasp, Hunter had instead found himself in another trap.

The distinctive sound of running water replaced the hushed patter of rain and called Hunter from his thoughts. “How about a drink, ol’ girl?” He urged his mare forward, leaning low over the saddle to avoid tree limbs, then jerked on the reins at the sight of a youth crouched on the opposite bank gulping water by the handful.

Hunter’s gaze shifted to the horse hungrily grazing on green shoots at the water’s edge. Enormous and coal black, its chest glistened from being ridden hard, while its sides heaved from not being rested for quite some time.

Hunter reached for his revolver and blinked to make sure the fading daylight was not playing tricks on his vision. The supposed scout was smaller and younger than he expected. He cocked the weapon anyway and shouted across the fast-moving stream, “Don’t move!”

Startled, the youth stood and challenged him. “What do you want?” he asked, holding nothing but dripping water.

Hunter’s confusion intensified as he stared at his opponent. Dressed in an oversized coat, slouch hat pulled low, and baggy trousers, the boy looked harmless enough. Can this really be the Union scout I’ve been chasing?

One more glance at the horse answered his question. Few such horses existed in this part of the country, certainly none of such quality that had not already been confiscated. This was no guiltless youngster. This was a Yankee. And a dangerous one at that. “I think you know what I want. It appears we’ve spent the last week watching each other, and still have not been introduced.”

He urged his mare down the bank to a sandbar, but hesitated before prodding her into the water. The creek was not wide, but the swift-running current and slippery rocks made fording here treacherous. To ride upstream and find a better place to cross would be safer, but Hunter knew his prey would vanish in the meantime. With daylight fading, he must act.

“If I may offer you some advice, sir?”

“Begging your pardon, son, but I don’t think you’re in any position to offer advice.”
“So it appears,” the youth replied, “but this is not a safe place to cross. If you go right down there—” He pointed downstream, but Hunter, blinking in disbelief at his audacity, interrupted.

“Thanks for the advice,” he sneered, urging his horse forward in the ice cold water, “but I’ll not go back without the scoundrel who’s been reporting my movements to the Yanks.”

Hunter attempted to keep his eye on the enemy while guiding his mount through the maze of rocks in the streambed. About half way across, he saw the youth bolt to his grazing horse and gather the reins. Reacting instinctively, he fired a shot, causing his mare to lose her footing and plunge to her knees. The panicked animal struggled a moment before bounding up with a great surge of strength, knocking Hunter off balance. As he tried to regain control, the mare lunged again, this time unseating him and sending him sailing backward. Hunter felt himself falling, seemingly in slow motion, until there came a skull-cracking thud and a blinding flash of light. Then nothing.

***

Andrea Evans waited breathlessly, fearing a trick, before leaping into the cold water. Slipping on the wet rocks, she fell several times before reaching the Rebel’s limp body. He floated face up, yet the red froth swirling around him told her his injuries were serious. She grabbed him beneath his arms and backed toward the bank, slipping, falling, spitting mouthfuls of water as she fought the current and struggled with the man’s weight. By the time she dragged him onto land, her legs trembled from exhaustion and her lungs screamed for air.

“Dammit, I told you not to cross there,” she groaned between teeth chattering from the cold. Leaning down to get a closer look at his injury, she shook her head. “Now what am I to do with you?”

Without warning, the man’s eyes flew open, and his hands grabbed her arms like a pair of steel vises. “The question is, what am I to do with you?” he snarled, rolling her onto her back. He straddled her, pinning her to the ground with the strength of an angry bull.

Andrea clenched her teeth and studied her dreaded foe. He did not speak, his eyes did the talking. And what they said drove through her like a ramrod. “I should have left you to die,” she spat, regretting her impulsive decision to rescue him.
“It’s your undoing that you did not.”

As the soldier scrutinized her face, Andrea began to kick, push, and squirm beneath him in a violent attempt to escape. Every muscle in her body reacted to the peril she faced, yet her attempts to dislodge him proved futile. Pushing one more time with all her remaining strength, Andrea grimaced at the uselessness of the effort against his powerful arms.

Resigned to her fate, she relaxed and looked up into eyes that now appeared glazed and unfocused. She felt his grip loosen, watched him blink and sway before groaning and collapsing on top of her. His weight knocked the remaining breath from her lungs, but she pushed against him until he fell to one side. Andrea remained on her back, sucking in air and listening to the chaotic pounding of her heart.

She knew this was the notorious Captain Hunter. Yet, no prior description did justice to his true appearance. By reputation alone he could scarcely be categorized a mere man. The North feared him as a calculating guerrilla leader. The South glorified him as a knight. He was a legend for his ability to keep the Federal army on constant alert and in a continuous state of fear. His unorthodox methods of warfare left Union troops wondering when to expect him—and dreading what to expect.

Even unconscious he appeared a formidable image of strength and power, making Andrea fear that the muscular frame beside her would rebound with the force and vitality for which he was so well known. She crawled out of arm’s reach, but not before catching a glimpse of the gash, still seeping blood, from beneath a mass of brown, wavy hair. She closed her eyes to help quell the chill of fear inching its way up her spine. She had never been so terrified in her life—terrified he might awake and terrified he might be dead. Although death had surrounded her for months, she never anticipated actually causing it.

A voice in the woods behind her jolted Andrea from her thoughts. She swore at herself for losing another opportunity to escape.

“The gunshot came from over here,” yelled someone with a distinct Southern drawl.
Lantern light reflected off the leaves, casting shadows on her and her unconscious companion.

“Over here! I found the Cap’n’s horse,” another voice shouted.

Andrea held her breath. With no sign of her horse, she slipped into the darkness, hoping the soldiers were too busy searching for their leader to hear.

“Over here! I found him!”

Light flooded an area not forty yards downstream and a dozen Rebels descended from the tree line. Andrea decided it was time to run, and run she did, cutting away from the bank and into the temporary safety of the trees. More concerned with speed now than caution, she sprinted through the woods, pushing blindly through the profuse underbrush into the awful blackness beyond.

Yet the trees behaved like Rebel sentinels, their branches snagging her clothes and holding her in their gasp. Even harmless bushes seemed reluctant to let her pass. Long, prickly limbs appeared out of nowhere to tear at her cloths and lacerate her skin. She whimpered at their savagery, but the pain only inspired her legs to move faster. She dared not look back, but she imagined footsteps chasing her, could almost feel the hot breath of her pursuers on her back. She ran as she had never run before then, fear giving her the ability to pick up her pace and pure panic giving her wings.

Pain seared through her when her ankle twisted on a fallen limb, and she dropped flat on her face—but only for a moment. She scrambled to her feet, or tried to anyway, half-crawling, half-running a few steps until a tangle of vines stopped her.

Disengaging herself with frenzied urgency, Andrea ran again, but only a short distance more. She could go no farther, certain her lungs would burst from the exertion or the pain in her ankle would cause her to collapse.

Andrea leaned against a tree, clenching the spasm in her side and trying to gulp in air quietly. When a twig snapped, she froze. Just my imagination. She let her breath out slowly. Or maybe a fox or a deer.

Standing still like the trees around her, Andrea grimaced as something warm trickled down her cheek and into her mouth. The metallic taste of blood gave her the urge to spit, but she swallowed instead when another noise came, closer still than the last. She held her breath and clutched a limb with shaking hands. Someone is coming. She listened to them shuffle through the underbrush, then stop.

Andrea crouched and waited, her heart pounding like a locomotive in her ears. She reached into her boot for a derringer, but realized it was useless, soaked from her swim. Dammit. Her only other weapon, a Colt .44, was still on her saddle. The words of Colonel Jonathan Jordan suddenly raced into her mind: War is no game.

Those were the last words he had spoken to her before she left with his dispatch two days earlier with orders not to delay. Those were the words he spoke every time he saw her. She closed her eyes while fighting the hopelessness consuming her. When she opened them, the veil of clouds parted, throwing a sharp beam of light through the dense canopy above. Andrea held her breath and peered around the tree, spotting the outline of her feared predator. Her heart lurched at the sight of the four-legged creature, all but invisible in the darkness.

“Justus,” she whispered.

Mounting her horse without making another sound, she did not take time to contemplate the close bond they shared or the significance of his name: Just us. She urged him forward and prayed they had time to escape the danger surrounding them.