Clara walked around silently through her old house. It was the first time she had been there in three years. She had just returned from university, she had been living in Canada on her own for the last three years. Her family lived there with her, but to the army needing her father, the family moved to South Carolina, while she stayed in Canada attending university gaining a bachelor degree in Biology and History which she finished in three years.

She came back for a forth year gaining access to a degree in Chemistry, and minor in physics before moving on to med school. She was almost finished her third year, staying at the top of the class, but with the out break of the war in North America her school was closed and she was sent home. Her South Carolina home still had the familiar smells, the old stairs still seemed to creaked and groan in the same spots.

Her house was built in the early 1700’s, but had been restored throughout the years. Although most of it was updated to the twenty-first century style, it still had some of its old original aspects. She walked into her room tracing over everything with her fingers on small objects sitting on shelves; everything was the same, as if time had remained still for al those years.

“Clara!” a voice said behind her.

“Mathew!” Clara exclaimed spinning around to see him standing in her door way. A tall man, who was just a few years older than herself walked in smiling, his sandy brown hair falling around his face.

“You’re home!” He said quietly, pulling her into a big hug.

“Yeah, I’m home.” Clara said sadly. “Been a while, but everything still the same.”

“Everything is the same. Even that horse of yours. Still won’t let anyone near him. Just runs around the fields all day. Stubborn, just like my little twin sister!” a second voice exclaimed.

“Little twin sister? Charles, you are five minutes older. That little prank doesn’t work on me, never did.” Clara said smiling, as her twin brother walked into the room. “Aramis is still okay then huh?”

“He’s his usual self.” Charles replied hugging his sister tightly. “How are you? Your flight was alright?”

“I’m….fine. The flight was horrible. Four hours of security measures. Had to re-board the plane twice, people are hysteric….its…. things are getting bad. The war hasn’t reached Canada yet, but people are still panicking.”

“Yeah I know. Your father wasn’t going to bring you home. But Janice, I mean, your mother. She wanted you home.” Mathew said slowly looking around anxiously

“What is it?”

“Janice doesn’t want us talking about the war around the little ones” Mathew replied quickly.

“Of course.” Clara replied “But Anna, is hardly a kid anymore. She’s 15, almost 16. She knows what is going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if the twins knew exactly what was going on. They’re smart for their age.”

“They’re ten.” Mathew replied

“Where are they anyways?”

“Anna is in her room. The twins are out in the fields with Gregory and” Charles started

“Megan!” Clara exclaimed happily, tears in her eyes.

“Clara’s home!” The little girl exclaimed happily, her curly strawberry blonde hair bouncing behind her as she ran into Clara’s arms. “Oh I missed you the most!”

“Really?” the girl asked

“Of course! How old are you now?”

“I’m 4 and a half.”

“Wow! Really?” Clara asked happily, as the girl nodded excitedly.

“Do you like my dress?”

“It’s very pretty!”

“It was yours!”

Clara laughed “Yeah, I thought it looked familiar. That was from my ‘I want to be a 16th century princess stage!’”

“Yeah I remember that, I was in a little stage with you. Only I wanted to be the great d’Artagnan….how long did that last?” Charles asked laughing

“Well it started when we were six, lasted to twelve.” Clara replied

“Who is dart-tan-young?” Megan asked

“He’s from a book.” Charles said trying to hide a laugh.

“If you are down reminiscing up there, I need someone to help with Clara’s trunks. They’re not light you know!”

“Sorry James!” Clara shouted.

“I’ll go help let you catch up with your brother” Mathew said quickly walking out of the room.

“Geez, just me or could is there some tension between you and Matt?” Charles asked

“There’s some tension between us alright” Clara said quickly “I’ll explain it later.”

Charles nodded as James and Mathew dragged the two large trunks into the room.

“You’re all set.” James said

“Thanks James.” Clara whispered.

“I’d like to stay and reminisce, but some solders are staying here tonight. Can’t say much as to why, but Dad asked me to prepare some beds. I’ll get Anna to help.” James said smiling, giving his sister a quick hug and kiss in the check. “I got caught up with you in the car anyways.”

“I’ll help” Mathew said quickly fallowing James.

“Megan I need to talk to Charles. Give me a little bit, and I’ll come read you a story later okay? Your choice!” Clara said

“Can you read to me about that dar-tan-young?”

“Okay! Whatever you want.” Clara replied, as she put Megan down, smiling as she ran out of the room.

“Okay what is going on with you and Mathew?” Charles asked

“Well remember when I first went to med school? He came down to visit me well, he told me he loved me, always had. Then he asked me to marry him. And that he would be there to take care of me.”

“He actually said he would be there to take care of you?” Charles asked “Interesting, I’m guessing you weren’t to happy about that”

“Oh that started a big fight alright” Clara replied “In the end I said no, obviously.”

“That must have been right around when Dad was shipped down here right?”

“Yeah.” Clara replied “We haven’t said much to each other since.”

“Wow. He never said a word to any of us, though Dad figured it was something like that. I remember when you had a huge crush on him….he would be all you’d talk about.”

“Yeah. Well I was 16 years old then. And it was always ever just a crush. He just doesn’t want what I want with life.” Clara replied.

“He’s not why you haven’t been back here to visit us has it?” Charles asked

“Yes and no. I’m involved in my own thing. I’m almost a Doctor, I have my internship, friends, school, everything there. And I’m just wrapped up in it all. Not to mention I’m not on the best terms with Mom, or Anna, or the twins, or most of the family. Now there’s this war, and…..here I am”

“I wish you could be here on better circumstances and I’m proud of you, no matter what” Charles said but quickly changed the subject “So, what it those trunks, making them so heavy?”

Clara gave a sly smile “Nothing….really”

“Uh huh! Let’s see. This big one here….has a secret compartment…ah! Here.” Charles said pressing a in a piece of crowning and pulling out a large drawer which was filled with an assortment of swords, old replica rifles and pistols.

“It’s grown since the last time, how did you get it past security?”

“Well I told them for one thing. Showed them, registered everything. Paid a pretty penny as well.”

“Wow! So what do you have here?”

“Couple of pistols from the 18th century. I have a one replica sword that the musketeers used. There is also three small sabers from the 1700s, I think they are similar to what the British officers used during the revolutionary war” Clara explained picking one up.

“Hmm I have a bunch of daggers from the last two hundred years. Oh and that’s not counting my Lord of the Rings Replica Collection. Those conventions in Canada are amazing! I have to use so much control to not spend my life’s savings on all the stuff there. I got a sword, just like Aragon’s, and Sting. And finally, a small cross-bow, like…”

“Buffy the vampire slayer? Did anyone tell you you’re a big NERD?” Charles asked laughing.

“Yeah, but they’re so pretty!” Clara teased kicking the compartment shut.

“And you actually have room for clothes in there?”

“Oh yeah! And books! I have enough clothes in there to last me a month without washing my clothes, What can I say? I’m a good packer. The other trunk is filled with medical supplies, and book from school, in case I can help in some way. Not a doctor yet. But I know a lot of things. I could help or at least try to, if anyone got hurt.”

“Hopefully you won’t have to help” Charles said quietly.

“Yeah hopefully” Clara trailed off.

“Mom says dinner’s ready. Dad’s solider friends are joining us apparently. Oh, you’re home.”

“Hi Anna” Clara said.

“Hi. Well dinner’s ready, so hurry up and get down stairs.” Anna said quickly

The table had most of the seats filled with soldiers leaving barley enough room for Clara and her family to sit at. Clara sat down between Charles and Megan who, nearly went to the verge of a tantrum until she was told she could sit beside Clara.

“So what is your family’s heritage?” Asked a man with a long scare down the side of his face

“Originally from England, Clara and Charles were born there. We moved to Vancouver when they were two years old. We lived there for nearly twenty years, before we moved here. We moved here three years ago, due to a promotion.” Clara’s Dad replied

“Colourful background you have” The man replied grinning, his black eyes flashing towards Clara sending shivers down her back, Clara looked at him for a moment, but looked away, trying to ignore the weird feeling she was getting from him.

“Clara, how’s med school?” Charles asked giving the man an odd look as well.

“Oh uh, School is good. I’m in my third year now, so I’ve been doing my placement in the hospital. I’m getting a lot of hands on experience.”

“What sorts of placements and experience do you get in your third year?” Another solider asked.

“Just a lots of hands on practice. I’ve worked with patients and I’ve done a few minor procedures my self, assisted on others. I’ve worked in the ER, OR, pediatrics, uhm I’ve worked with a lot of terminal ill patients, I really didn’t like that, it was hard to not get emotionally attached. I was just starting in OB when I came home.” Clara explained

“Did you get to cut people open like on ER?” Anna asked excitedly

“Uhmm not quiet. I never really got to do that…I just….” Clara started but her mother eyes were shooting warnings at her “I’m not experienced enough.”

“Yes, Clara as preferred to take her…own route in life” Her mom announced in a tone, causing Clara to look away, staring down at her plate.

“Well, I want to be like Clara! I will be a doctor too!” Megan said mater-of-factly, causing Clara to smile.

It was later that night as Clara sat in a hammock with Megan, who had fallen asleep while she read to her.

“How’s my little girl?” a rough voice asked walking up the porch stairs and sitting on the railing across from Clara.

“She’s asleep” Clara replied

“I meant you” he replied

“I’m doing alright, Dad.” Clara replied softly “Why are all these soldiers here?”

“Top secret mission. Your brothers and I are involved in, along with Mathew.”

“Top secret? Guess the General’s daughter remains in the dark.”

“You have your part in this too.” Her dad whispered. “I need you to go and follow some orders, when the time comes. No questions asked.”

“Dad?” Clara asked

“Keep the big trunk you have packed. If there’s room, pack medical supplies. You may have to leave with only a few minutes notice.”

“Dad?” Clara asked again “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Just do what I say. Charles or Mathew may give you orders to leave. You will follow them when it happens. I won’t say anything else.” He said quickly, giving her shoulder a quick squeeze. “Do you agree?”

“I guess so.” Clara said sounding unsure.

“One more thing! I want to give you this”

Clara took the small box from her father and opened it, revealing a small locket.

“This was your grandmothers, my mother, and it goes back for generations. You were suppose to get it when you got married. But, I think now is the time to pass it on to you.”

Clara fastened it around her neck. “What aren’t you telling me Dad?”

He gave a sad smile “I’m proud of you. I don’t tell you that enough. But I’m proud of you. You’ve done so well with school. My little girl a doctor.”

Clara smiled and jumped into her fathers arms, hugging him tightly.

“General Edwards? We’re waiting for our orders” a man said approaching them. Clara looked up at the man, again having shivers crawling down her back. The same man with the scare and large black eyes was standing there.

“Yes, yes of course.” General Edwards said as he stood up. “I’ll talk to you later Clara”

Clara had dozed off for what seemed like seconds before she was shaken awake.

“Clara!” Charles exclaimed “Get up! Quickly”

“What’s going on?” Clara asked jumping up from her spot, leaving the hammock swaying with Megan still asleep in it.

“You have to leave. Dad talked to you right?”

“Yes….he…”

“Then its time for you to go.”

“What? Now?”

“You leave in fifteen minutes.” Charles said. “Hurry now!”

Clara scooped up Megan in her arms and followed her brother up the stairs to her room. He opened up both trunks and tossed a bunch of medical supplies in the large one.

“Take these, extra fire power for those pistols and this, rifle, and a few extra rounds.”

“Careful with those!” Clara exclaimed setting Megan down on her bed, and gently setting some of the medical supplies in.

“Charles what the hell is going on?” Clara exclaimed looking out the window to see Mathew struggling to hook Aramis up to a small carriage which was barley large enough for two people to sit in.

“Take the horse and your things to the woods, take the fields and stay away from the roads. It should take a couple of hours using the carriage. Go about thirty minutes into the woods. You’ll find a shelter in there. It’s mainly underground and wait for us.”

“Who’s coming with me? And why Can’t I take a car?”

“No one, not yet anyway. Mom will be behind you later on, with everyone else. James, Mathew and I will help Dad fight. Mom is down in the cellars right now with Gregory and the twins. I’m suppose to bring Megan down to her. We can’t use cars, they can track them”

“CHARLES” Clara exclaimed firmly. “I’m not leaving everyone here. Now tell me what is going on? Who’s tracking us?”

“There’s word we’re under attack. They’re about two hours away by foot; planes could be here any minute. I’m can’t tell you the rest”

“Then send mom and the kids there first.”

“We don’t have time. All of them together will draw to much attention; we think someone here is a spy. All of the kids will slow us down. Aramis is the only one strong enough to pull a carriage even if we tried to send everyone away. He can’t pull all of you. Take your trunk and do what I say!” Charles said hurriedly “Someone betrayed Dad and gave away the location, I know it. I just I wish I knew who.”

“This has to do with that mission doesn’t it?”

“We think …it doesn’t matter. Go!”

“What’s going on?” Anna asked walking into the room “Why are you leaving?”

“I told you to go to the cellars with mom and the twins.” Charles exclaimed

“Not until you tell me why” Anna exclaimed “And why Clara is leaving”

“Has to do with the war, someone betrayed dad. I’ll explain more later. Now go to the cellar Anna and you need to go to the safe house.” Charles exclaimed sounding frustrated.

“I’m taking Anna and Megan with me.” Clara announced

“What?” Charles asked

“Anna and Megan won’t take up much room. Megan can sit on Anna’s lap Armies can pull us. I’m not leaving them here. I’d take the all of them if we had time.”

“Clara….Mom said….”

“I don’t care what she wants! Megan is coming with me! And so is Anna” Clara yelled as she ran into Megan’s room, grabbed a bunch of clothes from a drawer. A small teddy bear and a few blankets, and stuffed them into her trunk. “Anna grabbed some clothes and a few blankets and pack them in the trunk Hurry, we don’t have a lot of time”

“Clara…” Charles started.

“I’m not going to risk them getting hurt! Splitting up will give us all a chance. I will take care of them! I promise! ” Clara exclaimed “Now help me take this down stairs!”

“Alright, lets go.”

Clara wrapped a long thick cloak around her shoulders, scooped up Megan, wrapping a blanket around her and followed Charles to the backyard, with Anna following close behind. Charles shoved the trunk in the back of the carriage, fastening it tightly, as Clara jumped in the front grabbing the reins. Anna perched nervously beside her holding Megan.

“Is she all set?” Her father asked

“I’m all set to go. I’m taking Megan and Anna with me. And I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Alright then, wait there until someone comes for you. If no one is there in a week, use the radio and dispatch to this number. One week, remember that.” He dad said quickly running off with a gun in his hand.

“I’m scared!” Megan mumbled looking around frantically from under the large blanket wrapped around her

“It will be okay! Just stay close to me. I will look after you” Clara said gently. “Charles. You said someone betrayed Dad, I think….the man with the scare has betrayed him. I’m not sure….one of those feelings,”

“I’ll look into it. Good luck” Charles said squeezing Clara’s hand tightly

“You too!” Clara replied as Charles ran off grabbing his own gun as well.

“Clara…I, well I just….” Mathew started

“Mathew there is no time. Take care of my family. Watch out for Charles and James, and protect them best you can. Make sure Mom and the others get to safety.”

“Alright, but I….”

“Aramis is set to go?”

“Yes.”

“Then go and fight” Clara exclaimed She muttered something to her horse and sent it galloping off into the night. She hadn’t been going for five minutes and she could hear gun fire and shouting echoing in the sky.

“Clara!” Anna cried

“Stay down!” Clara kept shouted up, tears in her eyes while silently thinking to her self “Let the others be okay. Please let them be okay” She hurried on, she heard something behind her as to gun shots whizzed by her head. A second bullet flew past her, grazing her shoulder, she gasped in pain but continued to push her horse forward. More shots and explosions where heard.

“Anna take the reins!” Clara shouted throwing them to her sister as she turned around holding the rifle and shot a few rounds off at the people shooting at her, following her on an ATV. She saw one fall, but the second continued to come after them holding a grenade in his hand.

“Oh GOD!” Clara moaned grabbing the reins back from her sister and hurried her horse on, the carriage wobbling side to side “Both of you hold on to me and don’t let go. If I tell you to jump, do it.” The next thing she knew it there was an explosion in front of her horse reared and tried to jump away, instead falling into the large whole, taking the carriage down. Clara yelled for her sisters to jump put, while she tried to steer the carriage, but she quickly felt it topple to the ground, taking her with it. The carriage collapsed around her, smashing into pieces. She gasped in pain as she felt something ram deep into her side and then felt her head smash into a rock, before blacking out.