@bluidywar | continued from (x)
Ben was naturally skeptical. Defection for gain was expected in these trying times, and no amount of pretty, gentlemanly words could change that. He stood there in front of the younger man, eyeing him with an invasiveness he saved for only the most promising of enemies.
Fraser was a redcoat -- defector or no, he had seen and endured their tactics, which could make him a valuable asset. However, he could just as easily glean information from the rebel side, and then hightail it back to his commanding o.fficers.
“My family gave their lives for their beliefs - so, allow me, sir, let me make their memory proud.”
Ben winced slightly at the declaration, his left hand fidgeting with the saber on his belt. “That’s easy enough to prove,” he said. “Once we’re through here, I’ll need you to give their names to Nathaniel Sackett. He’ll be sure to take down your information -- your rank, regiment, and personal information -- and then we can set to work on clearing your name.” Ben waved a hand. “This process will take some time, so until we can figure out just what to do with you, your place will remain here in these quarters.”
There was a barely noticeable sheen of unshed tears in the boy’s eyes, but Ben noticed it -- mostly because he, himself had lived through the very same pain. His grip around his saber tightened, however slight. “You abandoned your men,” he said simply. “Although I share in your sentiment -- live and breathe it, in fact -- I’m sure you can understand my reluctance to welcome you without a thorough, intensive search into your claims. Good intentions or no, many here will not see your abandonment as an act of valor.”
Expression softening, Ben canted his head. “If your words prove true, then you will be welcomed properly. Though I must ask: if your family gave their lives for their beliefs, and you insist that fighting for us will do them proud, does that mean that they, too, were of rebel spirit?”
