Chapter 47: Lines in the Sand

The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie silver glow over the rugged terrain as Eli and Nokomis crouched behind a dense thicket. Ahead, Mathers' supply wagons rumbled down the narrow dirt road, their drivers unaware of the silent threat lurking in the shadows.

Eli adjusted the brim of his hat and whispered, "Three wagons, lightly guarded. We'll start with the last one and work forward."

Nokomis nodded, his dark eyes scanning the scene. "Quick and quiet. We take what we can and burn the rest. Mathers needs to feel this."

Eli grinned. "Let's give him a reason to think twice."

They moved like phantoms, slipping through the shadows until they reached the rear wagon. Nokomis silently dispatched the lone guard with a precise strike, while Eli climbed aboard to assess the contents.

"Gunpowder, tools, and food supplies," Eli whispered, handing down sacks to Nokomis. "Mathers won't be happy losing this."

Once they'd taken what they could carry, Nokomis lit a small bundle of kindling beneath the wagon. The flames licked upward, consuming the supplies and spreading to the next wagon.

Shouts erupted as the guards realized what was happening, but by then, Eli and Nokomis had melted into the night, leaving behind chaos and smoke.

---

Mathers' Fury

In his cabin, Mathers slammed a bottle of whiskey onto the table, the contents sloshing over the sides. Tobias stood nervously in the corner, waiting for the storm to pass.

"Three wagons," Mathers snarled. "Three wagons of supplies gone! And for what? Because Clarke and his ragtag group think they can outsmart me?"

Tobias hesitated before replying, "They're organized, sir. More than we expected."

Mathers turned on him, his face twisted in rage. "Then we'll show them what happens to those who stand against me. Gather the men. If Clarke wants war, we'll give him one."

---

Strengthening Alliances

Back at the Clarke farm, Michael and James saddled their horses in the early morning light.

"We need to act fast," Michael said, tightening the straps. "If Mathers retaliates, we'll need more than just our family to stand against him."

James nodded. "Who do you have in mind?"

"Thomas Turner for one," Michael said. "And John Miller. They've both got men and resources we'll need. If we can rally them and the others, we'll have a fighting chance."

They rode into town, stopping first at the Turner household. Thomas greeted them with a firm handshake and a somber expression.

"I heard about the sabotage," Thomas said. "Mathers won't let that slide."

"We're counting on it," Michael replied. "But we need allies, Thomas. This fight is about more than just my family. It's about all of us standing up to him."

Thomas glanced at his son, who stood silently by the door. After a moment, he nodded. "You have my support."

---

Later, at the mill, John Miller listened intently as Michael laid out his plans.

"You've got guts, Michael," John said. "But guts only get you so far. If we're going to stand a chance, we'll need to be ready for anything."

Michael smiled. "Then let's get to work."

---

A Quiet Moment

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Michael found Abigail sitting on the porch, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

"Long day," he said, sitting beside her.

She smiled faintly. "Seems like every day is long now."

Michael reached for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "You've been my rock through all this. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Abigail looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of love and worry. "You'll always have me, Michael. But promise me something."

"Anything," he said.

"When this is all over, when we've finally put Mathers behind us, let's start living again. Really living. No more fighting, no more fear. Just us and the life we've built."

Michael nodded, pulling her closer. "I promise. We'll get through this, and when we do, I'll give you the life you deserve."

The stars sparkled above them as they sat in silence, finding comfort in each other amidst the chaos surrounding them.