//------------------------------// // Listen, my children, and you shall hear… // Story: Daughters of Liberty // by SonicSpeedster97 //------------------------------// Another month, another call of rebellion across the colonies; this one coming late at night. The girls were still sleeping in their apartment above the print shop when Sunset jerked awake, at the sound of noise below. The noise came again, sparking concern from the young woman as she grabbed up a small poker from the fireplace in their room and snuck downstairs. Downstairs, she saw two men in the print shop looking through papers. She slipped down the stairs carefully as to not attract their attention and pointed the poker into one of the men’s backs. “I think you have some explaining to do,” she noted intimidatingly. The other man, unfortunately, wouldn’t listen as he knocked her to the ground and ran, his companion quickly following him. Sunset groaned as she got up and stretched her head out the door after them. “And don’t come back!” she yelled before she returned to the shop to clean up. She was just starting when she noticed something on the ground, near where the other shadowy figure had stumbled running out the door. “Huh. Must’ve dropped it.” It was just then that the other girls all joined her. “What just happened?” asked Rainbow. “Thieves, at a guess.” Sunset shrugged. “I managed to scare them off, and I think I found what they were here after.” Twilight looked over the papers Sunset handed her and was stunned. “Sunset, those weren’t thieves. They were Mechanics.” Rainbow was confused. “I think we’d remember hiring late-night mechanics to come in to work on the press tonight.” she pointed out. “Not that kind of mechanics.” Twilight explained. “The Mechanics are a gang of patriots concerned about how the British are treating the colonies.” “I thought that was the Sons of Liberty?” asked Rarity. “Different group, reserved for men of commerce like Mr. Henry.” Twilight explained. “Craftsmen didn’t have a group, so they formed one and they’re called the Mechanics.” “Never heard of ‘em.” Applejack shrugged. “That’s the point.” Twilight pointed out. “Just knowing about secret societies like this can land people in hot water.” She then handed the papers back to Sunset. “And thanks to your defense of the shop, those guys’ mission is in danger. At a guess, they were supposed to deliver these notes to Dr. Joseph Warren in Boston, to warn the Mechanics that the British are moving out of Boston.” “And if the colonists along the way think that’s what’s going to happen, they’ll react violently.” Sunset understood. “And now, those guys can’t warn Dr. Warren. So then I guess that makes it my job.” “Our job, I think you mean.” Rarity noted. “Two people have a better chance of getting to Dr. Warren than one.” “Alright. If I’m right, there should be a ship leaving for Boston with emergency supplies at dawn.” Twilight theorized. “Be on it.” “We will be.” Sunset nodded. “Until then, we’d better get some sleep.” And as they promised, Sunset and Rarity were on the ship, which had made its way up the coast to Boston two weeks later. Sunset would be lying if she wasn’t excited; she’d been on plenty of ships back in Equestria, but never on such an important journey. Rarity however was still feeling a small bit seasick, even after all this time. “Stay down and hold on!” the captain yelled. “There be trouble ahead!” Sunset looked and saw what he was talking about. “A British frigate. If we’re caught with contraband…” She didn’t have to worry about that for long as the ship started firing. “Incoming!” Quickly everyone dropped to the deck as the cannonballs sailed into the sea, splashing along the sides of their ship. “Just warning us off.” the captain surmised. “The harbor’s still closed, so we’ll have to stay in the shallows close to the coast; that’ll lose ‘em. But I’m afraid we’ll have to put you two ashore several miles south of Boston; you’ll have to walk the rest of the way.” “We can manage.” Sunset smiled, though she wasn’t sure how strongly she believed that. Even so, the crew did as they had said they would and let the girls off in the marsh south of Boston. “We have to walk through that?” Rarity asked in disgust. “Unless you can keep us concealed while we fly to Boston on one of your shields.” Sunset was right; there was no way they could stay hidden for long flying on one of Rarity’s gem shields. “Relax, we’re only two hours’ hike away from Boston.” Even so, they were the longest of Rarity’s life as they slogged through the marsh until they found a road, their clothes drenched in marsh water and mud. “Alright, straight shot to Boston from here.” Sunset smiled. “Ugh, that was quite possibly the most disgusting thing I’ve ever had to endure.” Rarity groaned. “We can dry off and clean up in Boston.” Sunset shrugged, digging some bread and cheese out of her bag. “Let’s eat and run; I’m starving.” Rarity couldn’t argue with that, so they ate as they walked along the road… For a few moments, before they heard a horse whinny behind them. “Company!” Rarity called. “Hide!” Sunset ordered as the two dropped their food and dove back into the marsh, just in time to see British redcoats marching along the road. “Hold!” the officer ordered, stopping his troop. “I spy something on the ground there. Sergeant, have a look.” “Yes sir.” the sergeant nodded as he drew his sword, stabbing up the food. “Bread and cheese, sir. Dropped here sometime within the last few minutes, I’d wager; not an ant in sight.” “Have a look around, but be quick about it.” the officer ordered. “We must join the others in Boston tonight, for tomorrow’s journey to Lexington and Concord.” That sparked interest in the two girls’ eyes; they knew what that might’ve meant. But they couldn’t dwell on it too much as they slipped deeper into the marsh before the sergeant began poking around at the brush with his sword. “No, nothing here, sir.” the sergeant reported. “And nowhere else to hide. Perhaps there’s someone on the road ahead of us.” “If that be so, we’ll catch up with them shortly. Come along.” the officer ordered as the troops marched double-time down the road. Once they were gone, the girls pulled themselves from the marsh. “Whew. That was way too close.” Sunset sighed in relief. “I just hope Dr. Warren has a change of clothes I can borrow.” Rarity groaned. “Never mind that; we’ve gotta get to Boston and tell Dr. Warren, fast,” Sunset assured, as they moved onward. The run to Boston was a quick one, and it only took a moment to find Dr. Warren’s office in the night where Sunset knocked. The door was opened a few moments later by a kind-looking older man. “Dear heavens, what happened to you?” “Dr. Warren?” asked Sunset. “The same. Was there an accident?” he asked. “None, sir. Though that’s certainly not to say we look this way on purpose.” Rarity assured. “I’ll get straight to the point, sir.” Sunset shrugged. “We came here from Philadelphia with an urgent message from the Mechanics. But more importantly, we-” “Hold on.” Dr. Warren ordered, closing the doors a bit. “I know of no mechanics who send child messengers. What sort of mechanic; cobbler, wainwright?” It was just then that Rarity saw some soldiers approaching from down the street, so she quickly took the lead. “Printers, sir.” “Ah. And the printer’s wife; how is she?” the doctor asked. “Dearly departed, sir; as I’m sure we both know.” Rarity assured; she’d remembered exactly when she sent word to Dr. Franklin that his wife Deborah had passed away last December. And apparently, that was all Dr. Warren had to hear before he opened the door. “Come in, quickly.” No need to tell them twice; the girls quickly retreated into Dr. Warren’s office before he closed the door. “My apologies for my interrogation, but with all the spies about, one can never be too careful. Now, all I know is you’ve come from Dr. Franklin’s shop, so it appears you have the advantage of me.” “Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle, sir.” Sunset introduced. “You must excuse the way we look.” Rarity bowed. “We’ve been on a ship for two weeks and had to slog through the swamp to get here.” “All the way from Philadelphia?” asked Dr. Warren. “Our contact said our message was urgent,” Sunset assured as she handed over the papers. “But what we’ve learned is even more urgent.” “I’m sure it is, but before you tell me, there are some gentlemen here who should hear this.” Dr. Warren assured. “We figured there would be,” Sunset muttered as Dr. Warren dipped into a small medical theater and led two well-dressed men out. “Samantha Stokes and Rachel Belle, allow me to introduce Mr. William Dawes and Mr. Paul Revere.” the doctor smiled. “You can call me Billy.” Dawes smiled. “Pleased, I’m sure.” Revere nodded to the ladies. “Likewise.” Rarity nodded in return. “These two ladies have brought urgent news from their trip from Philadelphia.” Dr. Warren explained. “What we saw on our way in is more important, sir,” Sunset assured. “The harbor is still blockaded and the British are on the move, toward Lexington and Concord.” “Not to New York?” asked Dr. Warren as he took the papers from the young lady. “We know what we heard.” Rarity assured. “We saw boats bound for Cambridge as well.” “Well, that confirms everything we know.” Mr. Revere nodded. “Tonight is definitely the night.” “Indeed. Our rumors from the British groom are perfectly true.” Dr. Warren nodded. “The British march on Lexington and Concord. Which means, if my contacts are correct, they’ll be going after John Hancock and Samuel Adams, not to mention the militia’s stores of weapons and ammunition.” “I thought the store at Concord was safe?” asked Sunset. “It is; the regulars won’t bother with it. It’s Hancock and Adams I’m worried about.” Warren countered. “They may be unaware of their danger.” “They will be when we get there first,” Dawes smirked. “Then there’s no time to waste.” Dr. Warren noted, swiftly igniting the note the girls had given him on a candle before he tossed it into the fireplace. “Lives are at stake, and you must ride.” It only took a few moments for the two gentlemen to arrange the horses. “Warn every militiaman between here and Concord. Break every door down if need be; just get them woken up and ready to fight.” “I’ll go out through the Boston Neck.” Dawes nodded as he saddled up. “Then after I set the signal at Christ Church to warn the people of Charlestown, I’ll cross the river and arrange for a horse.” Revere agreed. “It will be dangerous, but if one of us meets with trouble, perhaps the other will get through.” Dawes smiled. “We have to be in on this,” Sunset whispered to Rarity. “We’re living one of the most important moments of the Revolution, and we need to observe it.” “Absolutely. The truth must be told, and tell it we shall.” Rarity nodded as she turned to the two riders. “We’d like to join you, to describe the events for the newspaper. All of the world must know what happened here tonight.” “And we can help raise the alarm; you’d be amazed at how loud Rachel can be.” Sunset smiled, ignoring the sidelong glare Rarity gave her. “Hmm. Well, they would make for a good cover.” Revere shrugged. “Alright then. Come along, ladies.” “Whoa, hold on there. I don’t know if Dr. Franklin would consent to my putting you two in danger.” Dr. Warren reminded. “With all due respect, Dr. Warren, this isn’t your doing. It’s our own.” Rarity assured as she climbed up behind Dawes on his saddle. “And either way, Dr. Franklin is behind us 100%.” Sunset smiled as she climbed onto Revere’s carriage. “After all, Philadelphia to here in just short of 13 days?” “I still find that nearly impossible,” Dawes noted honestly. “With all due respect, Mr. Dawes, I believe the operative word there is ‘nearly’.” Rarity smiled. “And if we don’t cover this story, no one will know who you are or what you did.” Sunset smiled. “Very well then. Godspeed, and write well.” Dr. Warren smiled. “Tell the world of our gallant boys Dawes and Revere, and their midnight ride to stop the bloodshed.” “Yee-hah!” Dawes laughed as he rode toward Boston Neck at a full clip, Rarity clinging on behind while, with much less fanfare, Revere simply whistled to goad his carriage horse onward to the church. When they arrived, Paul and Sunset found the church’s sexton Robert Newman, who quickly led them up the bell tower. “Sorry again to disturb you Mr. Newman, but the British regulars are definitely on the move and they are preparing to cross the Charles River.” “Two lanterns then, Mr. Revere?” asked Newman. “Yes, just as we agreed some days ago; ‘One if by land, two if by sea’,” Revere noted, not noticing the smile on Sunset’s face. “The whole city and Charlestown will see them from the belfry.” “Well, we’d best get to work then,” Newman noted as he handed Paul a lantern. Sunset was just grabbing a book of matches from a nearby table when she heard a horse below. “Did you hear that?” she asked. “Sounds like soldiers.” Newman was right; the sound of marching was heard from the streets below. Revere carefully opened a window and looked below to see a small patrol on the street. “We don’t have much time. Let’s get the lanterns lit and get to Charlestown as quickly as we can.” Sunset didn’t waste any time, quickly striking a match and lighting the candles in both the lanterns before Newman and Revere hung them up. With the signal set, the two dashed back down to the streets and rode for all they were worth toward the harbor, the lanterns in the belfry gleaming in the night. It didn’t take long before they were in the Charles River in a small rowboat, rowing across the river. Crossings at this hour were banned, so their boatman devised something remarkably simple; he wrapped petticoats around the oars to muffle them in the water as they rowed past the large ship-of-the-line HMS Somerset, anchored in the river midway across. It wasn’t long before they had crossed the river to see a man on the bank. “Paul! Over here!” he called quietly. “John Larkin, Deacon of Charlestown.” Paul smiled as he pulled the boat ashore. “Reliable as ever. I suppose you saw the lanterns?” “Quite correct, Paul.” Larkin nodded as he led Paul and Sunset to a horse staked near the street. “My father’s horse, as we agreed.” “She’d better be fast.” Sunset smiled as Paul saddled the horse. “Won many a race for me,” Larkin assured as he handed Paul the reins, Sunset climbing on behind him. “Thank you, John, we’ll need every edge.” Revere nodded as the two rode onward. “Watch out for the red-bellies! The roads are crawlin’ with ‘em!” Larkin called after them. “We can handle ‘em, but thanks!” Sunset called back as they rode onward. In the opposite direction, Rarity and Dawes were still riding hard having passed Roxbury and Brookline to nearly reach Cambridge, rousting a great many people to stand and fight, and also to ride and assist. As they rode, Rarity spotted something on the river. “Mr. Dawes, look.” Dawes looked and smiled. “Yes, the regulars.” he smiled as he stopped the horse. “Good eyes, Belle. Looks like they’re crossing to Cambridge. No time to lose; we’ll beat them. Hyah!” With that, they rode onward, ever later into the night. They weren’t the only ones facing trouble as Revere suddenly stopped his horse. “What’s wrong?” asked Sunset. “Riders coming. Looks like a British patrol.” Revere noted. “Perfect stopping place for them.” But it didn’t look like the patrol was stopping; as soon as they saw Revere, they rode toward them, forcing Revere to ride with all his might to escape. Dawes and Rarity had arrived in Cambridge right on time before the British and started yelling the famous call of this historic ride; “The Regulars are on the march!” Dawes yelled. “The Regulars are coming! The Regulars are coming!” Rarity yelled before Dawes stopped in front of a storefront with a bell. Rarity got the message and quickly jumped off the horse to start ringing the bell, rousting the entire town. Revere and Sunset yelled the same call as they rode through the town of Medford, the cry echoing from both groups as the clock struck midnight when Revere and Sunset reached a small house outside Lexington. Revere let out a sharp loud whistle. “John Hancock, Sam Adams; bestir yourselves!” he called before he and Sunset jumped from the saddle. “Welcome to Clarke House, Ms. Stokes; home of some relatives of Mr. John Hancock, and known for its peace and quiet.” “Well, I’m sure we can fix that,” Sunset smirked. “My thoughts precisely.” Paul smiled. “Sound the alarm!” he yelled, prompting a portly soldier to step out from behind the house. “Ho, people are sleepin’ here! Keep the noise down!” he ordered. “Noise? You’ll have noise enough before long, my friend.” Paul assured. “The regulars are on their way here; help me wake the house.” The soldier shrugged and rang the bell as Paul banged on the door. “Alright, we’re coming; don’t break it down!” a voice came from within. The door opened and there stood Samuel Adams, as well as a sharply dressed older man. “Paul? What’re you doing here; what’s going on?” “John, Sam, the regulars are on the move and they mean to capture you two, as well as all the munitions they can find,” Paul explained quickly. Hancock and Adams looked at each other for a moment, quickly coming to a quiet consensus. “Say no more, Paul; we’ll gather our things and repair to Buckman Tavern to plan our escape.” Hancock nodded as the two left to do just that. It was just then that Dawes and Rarity arrived. “Ah, Samantha. How was your ride?” “Incredible,” Sunset smirked. “Ms. Stokes, tend to the horses for me, would you?” asked Paul. “Certainly, sir.” Sunset smiled as she and Rarity led the horses to a water trough. “I’ve gotta tell you Rarity, I’ve read that poem about a thousand times since I arrived in this world, but I never thought I’d get the opportunity to ride along with him. When we get the story written down, he’ll be a legend.” “Yes, but his is only half the story.” Rarity brought up. “A shame that Mr. Dawes isn’t as well remembered.” “Well, we still get to write about him. And hey, we just experienced one of the greatest rides in American history.” Sunset reminded. “That’s gotta be worth something.” It was just then that Revere and Dawes arrived. “Mr. Dawes and I are riding on to Concord. We’ll understand if you don’t want to come.” Revere assured. “We prefer not to do things halfway.” Sunset smiled. “We’re coming with you to get the whole story.” “Alright then. We ride on.” Revere nodded as he and Dawes saddled up again. By one in the morning, the cavalcade was nearly to Concord, but trouble was brewing. “My horse is tired. He’s had a long night.” Dawes noted. “We all have,” Revere assured. “Hopefully we can get some rest when we're done.” “Hold, there’s a rider coming.” Rarity noted, looking behind them. But when they turned to see who it was, they were surprised to see no red on his coat or anywhere else. “Revere? Dawes?” Revere recognized that voice and smiled. “Dr. Prescott.” he smiled. “Quite the patriot, I hear.” “Please, call me Samuel.” the doctor assured. “I happened to be in Lexington returning from a lady friend's house when I heard about your ride, and I thought I’d join you.” “The more the merrier, I say.” Sunset smiled. “My thoughts exactly. Welcome aboard, Samuel.” Paul nodded before they heard more horses behind them. “You there! Halt!” From the accent, it was easy to tell these new approaching forms were those of British regulars. “Split up!” Revere ordered. “See you in Concord!” Dr. Prescott smiled as he rode onward to the city. “My horse’ll never make it,” Dawes noted. “It will without me.” Rarity nodded and jumped from the saddle. “Go. They won’t do anything to me when they hear my accent; they’ll think I’m a loyal British citizen.” “You’re also a brave girl.” Dawes nodded and rode away into the darkness toward Lexington. “Well, if you’re staying, then so am I.” Sunset smiled. “Go on, Revere. And Godspeed.” “I’m sorry, but you’re in my charge; Dawes and Prescott will get the message through,” Revere assured before the soldiers rode up and stopped. “You there; what’s your name?” the officer asked. “Revere, sir. Paul Revere.” the rider answered honestly. “Boston’s famed express-rider.” the officer noted. “And what brings you out here tonight?” “Work,” Revere noted vaguely. “Well, judging by your horse, I’d say you’ve been riding hard.” the officer noted. “Alerting the countryside of our regiments headed this way?” “I won’t deny it.” Sunset was stunned by this; she never thought Paul would give up so easily. “Dismount, sir.” But the rider obeyed the officer’s order without question. “Sergeant, take his horse. Mr. Revere, if you attempt to run or we are insulted, you will pay the price.” “You may do as you please.” Revere shrugged as the officer moved on. “And what are you two doing out here?” he asked Sunset and Rarity. “Shouldn’t you be in bed, leaving such treasonous activity to your elders?” “I’ve committed no treason, sir.” Rarity assured. “I’m a loyal British subject, from a respectable English family, thank you very much.” “Oh, but of course.” the officer nodded. “Pardon me for not recognizing you immediately, your ladyship.” He chuckled sarcastically as he took his hat off. “It was of course the muddy face and dirty hair that had me fooled.” “With all due respect, sir, sarcasm is unbecoming of an officer such as yourself.” Rarity noted honestly. “Of course, you’re right.” the officer noted. “Sergeant, round up these urchins. We’ll need someone to clean up after the horses.” Sunset just shook her head, knowing exactly what was going through Rarity’s head from that statement. Rarity gave a low growl but stayed quiet otherwise as the soldiers laughed. By two, the cavalcade was drawing ever-nearer to Lexington when they heard gunfire in the distance. “A skirmish ahead.” the officer noted. “Sergeant, prepare the men to engage.” “What about the prisoners, sir?” asked the sergeant. “They’re traitors. We shall deliver them to the civil authorities.” the officer answered. “But they’ll slow us down, sir.” the sergeant pointed out. “Oh, you’re right.” the officer groaned. “Alright Sergeant, release them. But keep the horse; it’s fresher than ours.” “Yes sir.” the sergeant nodded and rode up to the prisoners. “You’re free to go. I strongly suggest you go home. Don’t let our patrols catch you on these roads again.” “Company, forward!” the officer ordered as his regiment rode onward toward Lexington. “Come; we’d best get moving,” Revere noted as he led the girls onward. “Where’re we going?” asked Sunset. “Back to Lexington.” Revere answered. “We have to help Hancock and Adams escape.” “Do you think Dr. Prescott made it through?” asked Rarity. “We can only pray so,” Revere noted as they moved on. “Man, this is gonna make the others so jealous.” Sunset smiled. “This story’s gonna be huge.” Soon enough, the trio had assisted Hancock and Adams relocate to Buckman Tavern outside Lexington. “Thank you again for your help.” Revere smiled at the girls. “You’ll be safe here.” “Thank you for letting us come along.” Sunset smiled. “We’ll make sure the world knows about what happened here tonight.” “My pleasure. It was nice to have company on the ride.” Revere smiled as he boarded a coach and rode away. In the tavern, the two girls washed and garbed themselves in sleep-wear as they sat by the hearth, staying up late to write of the night’s events.