Colonel Jack Taylor sniffed and caught a whiff of burning wood just as the small campfire came into view. Cold rain dripped from bare branches onto his hat and coat. Jasper plodded slowly onward with little direction. Jack slumped in the saddle discouraged, hungry and exhausted, yet wary of any danger in the dark woods.

"Colonel Taylor." Zeke Johnson, his orderly stepped forward. "Your quarters are ready,
Sir. Mess is cookin' up a pot of beans and jerky."

"Thanks." He was too tired to say more. Without further orders, his aides rode on to their tents.

"I'll take care of him, Sir."


Jack nodded as Zeke took the reins and led Jasper away. He headed for the large tent with a flag and looked up at smoke rising from small fires. "So few fires. Did I lose so many today?"

He entered the tent, welcoming its privacy. Officers' reports lay on the table, and before morning, Jack expected new orders from headquarters. The Union forces under General Rosecrans, his regiment among them, suffered a punishing rout in Glasgow. For most of 1862, General John Morgan raided Federal supply lines hoping to disrupt General Rosecrans' move against General Bragg. The Second Kentucky Cavalry led by Colonel B. Duke, attacked the garrison with little warning. Jack now hid his forces in the woods north of town.

"Jack." His friend, Captain William, "Will" Ledecker, the regimental surgeon, entered wearing a bloody apron. Jack motioned him to a chair and he eased his large frame into the seat.

"Got the reports." He pulled a slip of paper from his vest, slowly opened it and leaned towards the lamp. "97 wounded, 56 dead. Don't know about the missing. Sure your commanders brought that in." He folded the scrap, stuffed it back into a pocket and pushed against the arms of the chair to ease himself out. "I'm sorry. We're trying to save as many as we can."

Jack swallowed hard. "I know you are. Thanks."

Will walked over and laid a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I know being in charge isn't easy, son, but someone has to do it. May God help you." With that, he left.

Jack sat on the cot and closed his eyes, willing himself to stay alert a bit longer. His body ached from a long day in the saddle, and his gut churned from the carnage of battle. He longed to wash away the lingering memories of the retreat in a bottle. "O Lord," he whispered. "Why are you prolonging this war? Where are you? So many are dying. How can I keep sending men to their death?" He dropped his head into his hands.

"Colonel." Captain Wilson, one of his scouts, held a stiff salute. Jack returned it.

"At ease, come in." Jack rose.

Uncovering a map, the Captain pointed. "Sir, the Rebs are camped here, along this line of trees -- well hidden in my opinion. All cavalry and a couple of cannon. We're here." The man paused, but Jack sensed there was more.

"And....."

"I don't like our position, Colonel. Too easily overrun. Their cavalry can flank us. They're too darn close for my comfort, Sir."

Jack glanced at the map, trying to guess where the enemy would move next, but his mind refused to work. "Just a minute, Captain." He pulled out a well-worn leather valise and searched the contents. "You'll join me?" He held out a bottle and two tin cups.

"Yes, Sir." A grin spread across the officer's face.

He poured them each a half cup and invited the Captain to sit. Jack emptied his in one gulp and examined the map, requesting the information again. He wanted another cup but needed to keep his mind clear. The map clearly showed the line of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad and Jack and his men were between the Confederate forces and the tracks. How long could he hold out? Best to wait for orders. "I suggest you find a cot for the night, Captain. I'll have orders for you in the morning."

"Thank you, Sir." He rose and quickly downed his drink. "For the whiskey." He placed the cup on the table and turned to leave. Suddenly he turned, "Almost forgot. Merry Christmas, Sir."

"Christmas? Are you sure?" Wasn't Thanksgiving a week ago? Jack had lost all sense of time. "Well, then, Merry Christmas, Captain. Give my regards to your men." He followed the man out and stopped at the fire to warm himself, but the tiny flames searching for a hold on the wet wood gave little heat. He examined the dried blood on his hands and uniform but refused to face the icy water in the creek.

"Massah."

He pulled his pistol and turned to the direction of the voice. A black boy wearing a ragged white shirt and torn brown pants stood just inside the circle of firelight.

"Massah, Sir?"

"What do you want?" He holstered his gun and moved closer. The boy took a step back.

"Massah, please. My sister." He pointed behind him. "She done need help, Suh."

"The hospital can give her aid. Take her there."

"But Massah, she can't walk and ah needs help bad, suh."

Jack observed the boy's thin frame, his dirty face and the wide, fearful eyes. He guessed he was maybe fourteen at most. Probably had little to nothing to eat for days, like most of the colored who joined the Union soldiers. He sighed. His dinner and rest could wait. "Alright, show me where she is."

"Thank ya, suh. Thank ya." He bowed up and down again and again until Jack grabbed his arm.

"What's your name, son?"

"Diah, suh. My real name's Obadiah."

"Alright Obadiah, let's go. Show me where." The boy led him past the troops' tents and deeper into the dark woods. Soon the fires of the camp disappeared. "How much farther?"

"Jus a mite more, suh. Please."

At last, illuminated by filtered moonlight, he saw a dark bundle propped against a small cottonwood.

"Lena," the boy called out. "Lena." He shook her until she turned over in the thin blankets, exposing her face.

"Diah, that you?" Her voice was weak and shaky.

"I brung you some help."

"Oh," She focused on Jack's face, then her eyes widened, and she sat up. "You done brung me an officer? Ain't no need to be troublin' dem." All of a sudden, she groaned and grabbed her stomach.

"She be havin' a baby, I think, suh. Pretty quick."

Since none of his West Point training covered delivering babies, Jack knew he should get her to the hospital.

"Put your arm around my neck. I'm going to carry you." He leaned down; but she shrank back from him, her eyes full of fear.

"You ain't gonna turn me over to them slave hunters?"

"No. I promise."

Her eyes shifted to her brother.

"He'll be safe with me; I assure you."

She sat up. Jack carefully slid his arms under her knees and back, lifting her easily. Lena, too, was thin and hardly weighed anything. He led the way back to the encampment, the boy following closely. The young woman groaned in pain, her hands twisting in the thin blanket. He quickly located the hospital. Faint light from the tent illuminated waiting ambulances and walking wounded. He walked in with Lena.

"We ain't got no room for her," An orderly placed himself squarely in front of Jack.

"She's having a baby. She needs help."

"Ain't takin' no colored people."

"I'm Colonel Taylor, and you'll take this woman now, Corporal."

The man hesitated, squinting in the faint light at Jack's face and uniform. Finally he nodded. "Yes, Sir. This way."

As they neared the surgery, he saw Will amputating a leg. When the girl moaned loudly, he looked up.

"What have you got there, Colonel?" He adjusted his spectacles. "Oh... I see. I'll be right with you."

Jack turned his back to the amputation. Several minutes passed before the doctor approached wiping his bloody hands on a rag.

"She's in labor, Will. And I'm afraid that's beyond my skills."

"Well, Jack, having babies is the most natural thing on this earth." He managed a feeble grin.

"Will you see her? I need to return...."

"I don't have room for her here. She should have some privacy."

"So where should I take her then? The colored camp is no place for her. They're several miles back of us."

"Perhaps...," Will looked around. He shook his head and shrugged.

Jack sighed. "I'll take her to my quarters. Will you send someone to look after her?"

"I can spare a few minutes." Will gathered instruments and followed.

***


As Jack gently laid her on his bunk, she opened her eyes.

"Thanks ya, s...," she mumbled before another contraction cut her off.

Obadiah rushed to her side. The doctor pushed him away as he knelt beside the cot to begin his examination. Jack ordered Zeke to hang a blanket as a partition and then returned to the whiskey bottle and his chair. Hunger gnawed at his stomach and he longed for something besides whiskey to fill it.

"Colonel Taylor?" A young, clean-shaven Lieutenant walked in holding a dispatch. His salute was smart, and his uniform clean and pressed. Jack accepted the orders and dismissed him. He tore open the envelope and skimmed the new orders. "You are to proceed immediately with all dispatch to Green River, Kentucky, to reinforce Colonel Gray. Protect and guard the Louisville & Nashville Rail line at all costs."

Jack checked his watch and glanced at the map still open on the table. It was eight already, and he had to move 1,000 men and horses twenty-five miles under cover of darkness without running into the enemy. It would take at least two and a half hours to reach Green River near Munfordville, and that would depend on the condition of the waterlogged roads. The men and horses needed rest. He could move them out late and still reach the garrison in early morning. The Rebs were camped, making no move to head North tonight. Just then Lena moaned, and his attention shifted. He parted the blankets to find the doctor wiping her face and neck. "How is she?"

"I'm going to need fresh water and sheets."

"Will, can I talk to you a moment?"

The surgeon rose and slowly moved to the other side of the blanket.

"I have immediate orders to reinforce the garrison at Green River, 25 miles from here." He tried to keep his voice to a whisper. "I can wait a bit, but we'll have to move out under cover of darkness."

Will shook his head. "She can't be transported. This'll be a difficult birth for her as it is. I have to be close. It'll be several hours at least."

"Don't make me chose between you and my duty." The decision weighed heavily. "I can't leave you here."

"We'll be fine, Jack. Just leave me a wagon and a horse or two. We'll catch up to you."

"I can't guarantee the Rebs won't find you first."

"I'm a surgeon, Jack. They'll no doubt take me into their ranks."

"What about the girl and her brother?"

"I don't know. Most likely, Lena and her brother will go back to their owners." He sighed. "Just send for the supplies, please."

Zeke arrived with food, and Jack immediately sent him to the hospital. Despite the necessity to inform his officers, he shoved down the hot meal of beef and beans. When Zeke returned with the supplies, Jack ordered his adjutant, Lieutenant Roper, to sound Officer's Call. In less than a minute, the bugle blew, and Jack heard approaching voices. He rose as the officers entered and saluted. "At ease, Gentlemen. Orders just came. We're moving out in a few hours to reinforce the garrison at Green River. Morgan's First Brigade is moving up presumably to cut our supply line from Louisville to Nashville."

They said nothing, but he sensed new weariness. "I know. I'm sorry we can't stay; but the sooner we end this, the sooner we'll have several days to recoup." He pointed out their route and discussed preparations before giving his final order. "Let's prepare the regiment to leave here in two hours. You'll be moving in the dark and may encounter the enemy moving in the same direction. You must maintain silence, as much as possible.... Give your men a couple of hours to eat, rest and celebrate."

"Celebrate, Sir?" asked a young Captain. "We just lost an engagement."

"Yes, tonight is Christmas Eve. Pass the word around." They saluted and left. Sounds behind the curtain drew his attention, but he dared not look. Childbirth was something he knew nothing about and wished to keep it that way.

"How is she doing, Doctor?"

The doctor's head appeared. "She's got a ways to go. I'll find someone to watch her so I can get back to the surgery. Lots to do if we're moving out. There's an extra cot in my tent. You could use some rest yourself."

Jack shook his head. "Too much to worry about. Besides, tonight is Christmas Eve, and I want to savor a little piece of it before tomorrow."

"What happened to that skinny boy?"

"I don't know. Guess I should find him."

"I'll check in my direction." He patted Jack's shoulder. "Get some sleep. You're no good to us if you're exhausted."

True to his word, an elderly black woman arrived; and Jack felt confident his planning for the regiment sufficient. Suddenly feeling lonely, he took his bottle and joined several junior officers around a game of cards. They stopped the game when an accordion played Silent Night and everyone joined in. The silence at the end was broken only by the hissing campfires. The liquor eased Jack's worries about tomorrow's battles; but before seeking a cot, he decided to leave the camp. He found a quiet place under a large tree and leaned back to look at the stars blinking overhead.

"God, we're just like those stars, scattered all over, fading in and out, shining briefly before disappearing. Each of them has a name -- as do we. Here it is the night you came to earth to give us new life, and yet here we are involved in so much death. Forgive me for the lives I've taken, for all the orders I've given that led to death. Give me strength and courage for tomorrow. Protect me, my men, and the woman about to give birth. Thank you for coming to earth to be with us, with me. He sat in the silence, waiting to hear God speak, yet heard nothing but leaves stirring in the night breeze. "

Whether it was the liquor or God's peace, Jack gave in to the exhaustion. He found the doctor's tent and welcomed the warmth of wool blankets. Just as he closed his eyes, the shouts of his adjutant roused him. "Colonel. Sir. Wake up. Rebs headed this way! "'Bout 15 minutes off!"

He rose and quickly pulled on his boots. He ordered his adjutant to alert the camp, then stopped at the hospital to inform Will. Bugle calls jarred the sleeping camp. As he hurried towards his quarters, men and officers poured out of tents to grab rifles and cartridge cases. Many in various stages of undress pulled on coats and boots. Others saddled horses that whinnied and snorted in alarm.

His officers stood waiting. "Gentlemen. Rebs are approaching and coming fast. We'll be moving out sooner than we thought. Get the men packed up and mounted as soon as possible." A moan came from inside, but he ignored it. "Let's move. You know what to do from here." He returned their quick salutes as they left, their faces reflecting the urgency he felt. Jack entered to find Zeke and Lt. Roper packing his belongings for transport in the ambulance waiting nearby.

He pushed aside the blanket. "Ma'am, we need to move out now. I'll have her transported in my wagon."

She looked up, shaking her head. "No suh, Colonel. She can't be moved. This baby's comin' soon and there ain't no way any of us is goin' to deliver this chil' in a wagon."

Jack called out, "Zeke, you and Roper carry her out." They pushed the blanket aside, then stopped abruptly. Obadiah stood next to his sister, a cocked pistol in his hand.

"You ain't takin my sister nowhere 'til she has dis baby."

The men backed up. Jack moved past them to confront the boy. "Listen, the Rebs are coming. She isn't safe here."

He said nothing, continuing to point the pistol at Jack's chest.

"Young man," said Will coming up behind Jack, "let me check on your sister."

Obadiah shifted to one side, admitting the surgeon. Jack grabbed the pistol from the boy's hand. He checked the map and then the time. It was quickly running out.

Will came out, his face serious. "It's a breech birth and it'll be difficult to take the baby out alive." He shook his head. "And it's going to be awhile."

"Will...."

"She can't be moved. She could bleed to death if this doesn't work just right. I have to be here with her."

Jack shook his head. "I can't leave you here. We've got to leave now."

"Jack, I can't leave her like this." Will took his arm and led him outside. "I can't let her die when I have the skills to save her."

"You sure she'll die?"

"Without help yes. I'm the best qualified, I'll stay."

"What about putting her in the wagon?"

Will shook his head. "No. That'll make things worse, especially at the pace you'll be traveling."

Jack rubbed the back of his neck. How could he save Lena, her baby, and his friend? He didn't doubt that the Rebs would take Will into their ranks, but the two Negroes would be returned to their masters by slave hunters. With the Confederates approaching, he had to get all his men out or leave a troop to fight a rear guard. He made the decision quickly. He would send them ahead, leaving them in the capable hands of their officers.

Catching Captain Wilson he gave him his final orders. "Tell my officers I'm remaining here with the surgeon. They have their orders. Have them report to Colonel Gray at Green River."

The officer held his horse in check, a puzzled look on his face. "Sir, I can send men back to cover your exit."

Jack shook his head. "No. You have your orders, Captain. Get going."

****


Men and horses moved past him until only the rippling of the creek could be heard in the silence.
Suddenly, a scout rode in, his horse lathered. "They're right behind me, Sir."

Jack hoped his men were well ahead of the Rebs. There was nothing he could do to stop them; but, with God's help, perhaps he could delay them. He sent the scout on ahead, and dismissed Zeke and Roper with orders to take the wagon and leave him two saddled horses. He explained the situation to Will.

"You need to leave, Jack. Your men need you."

Jack shook his head. "I won't leave you here alone."

"I'm a surgeon. I'll have better treatment. Better than you in...."

"Libby Prison? "Jack interjected, shaking his head. "I'm not leaving."

Will sighed, then paused a moment. "Wait, I have an idea. Pretend you're my aide." He turned to rummage in his bag. "Take off your coat. Tie on this apron."

He did as Will ordered. As much as he dreaded imprisonment, the desire to protect his friend and the helpless mother prevailed.

Jack waited outside and within a few minutes, he heard a horse approaching. Jack watched nervously as a horseman in a plumed slouch hat and gray uniform approached. A long bushy beard covered most of his face and dark eyes peered from thick brows. The officer drew and cocked his pistol. Jack stood in place as the Reb dismounted and walked up to him.

"I'm Major Mercer of the Ninth Kentucky Cavalry. What outfit are you with?"

Jack refused to answer.

He asked again. Jack refused again. The Reb scowled, drew back his arm and slapped him across the face. Jack staggered but did not go down. He licked the blood on his lip.

"Don't make me resort to harsher means, Yank."

Jack said nothing.

"Who else is here?"

"A surgeon and a woman in labor." Jack prayed the woman would moan.

"They're no concern of mine. Where's your troop?"

"I can't tell you that."

Just then, a Confederate courier rode up and dismounted. "Major, a large troop of Yankee cavalry is just ahead of us. 'Bout two miles up."

"Thank you, Private. Please notify Captain...."

Jack grabbed the revolver under his apron, lunged forward and shoved it into the courier's face. "I can't let you do that right now, Private." He turned to face the commander. "Drop your gun."

The Major scowled and refused to lower his pistol.

"Drop it Major. I have no problem taking a life to protect others." He pulled back on the hammer.

The officer lowered his gun. "My aides are right behind me. You have no chance."

Jack grabbed the pistol and threw it into the tent. "You'll not be giving any orders, Reb."

"Jack."

Backing slowly, he motioned the men to follow him inside. He pulled out a chair and made the Major sit.

"Doctor, I'm a little busy ...."

"I need your h...." Will broke off at the sight of the Confederates. "Never mind, I'll handle it myself."

With dismay, Jack noticed his sack coat laying on the table, shoulder straps visible. The officer followed his gaze.

"You're no private. You're a Colonel." He sprang from his chair, his face red with anger.

"Sit, Major." He shoved the gun into the man's stomach. "How much longer, Doc?" Hearing no reply, he lifted the blanket to reveal the woman in labor pangs, the doctor bent over her with a compress.

"You're treating a slave?" Again the man rose to protest. "She ain't worth nothing."

Jack could barely control the anger that rose. "She's a human being, trying to bring another one into this world. She deserves the same care as any other woman."

"You're a bloody abolitionist." He waved his arm angrily. "All you Yankees are alike."

Jack grabbed him by the collar, holding the gun barrel inches from the man's face. "If you're ready to die, I'll oblige you right here and now."

The officer froze but recovered when Jack released him. He straightened his uniform. "My men are not far behind me, Colonel...."

"Taylor. Jack Taylor. Indiana Cavalry." He pulled on the coat, keeping the gun trained on the two Rebs. "When they get here, you'll tell them to back off and leave. If I hear you give them any orders, you're dead, understood?"

The man didn't answer, but pulled off his hat and threw it on the table.

Jack knew his time was limited, that he couldn't hold them off for long. It was just his luck the Reb commander managed to find him first. Or did God manage that? Never taking his eyes off the Rebs, he called: "Will, how're things going?" He glanced out the opening as several horses approached and three Confederate officers dismounted next to the Major's horse, pulled their revolvers and rushed to the entrance.

"Hold it," Jack ordered. They stopped. "If you want to save your commander, you'll throw your guns over here. If any of you makes a sudden move, he's dead." He moved closer to the Major. "You'll order them to back off and wait for further orders."

The Reb glowered.

Jack pushed the barrel into his face. "Now, Major."

"Men. Drop your guns. Back away and wait for further orders."

They threw their pistols to Jack and watched as he kicked them under the table. How long before the troops appeared?

"You'll pay for this Yankee." The Major's face burned red with anger. "Prison's too good for you. I'll order your execution."

"Think of it this way, Sir, we're witnessing a miracle tonight." Jack sat on the corner of the table. "Remember another child born this night years ago?"

"The baby Jesus." When his prisoners didn't reply, he continued. "We may be in the middle of a war; but just for tonight, can't we forget we're enemies and celebrate Christmas?"

"I don't believe in that religious nonsense."

"This little one is just as loved as that one born on Christmas Eve, many years ago." Suddenly the woman screamed. Jack jumped up, backed up to the blanket, and called out. "Will?"

"She's doing well. The baby's coming. I could use your help."

"Sorry, Doctor. I think you need me more out here."

The woman screamed and moaned loudly.

"She's dying, Yank, this is all a waste of time."

Jack said nothing and consulted his watch. His column should be several miles away by now. Just then, the cry of a baby split the silence; and he smiled until he heard the sounds of an approaching army.

The Reb officer smiled. "Your reprieve is over, Colonel. You're all my prisoners, now." He stood. Jack lowered the gun, turned it butt-forward, and held it out. The man grabbed it and stuck it into his belt. "Private, take this Yank. Tie him up and make sure he doesn't get away." He called out: "Captain, pursue the Yankees immediately. They can't be more than a couple of miles ahead."

Just then the doctor pushed through the curtain, holding a small wrapped bundle in his arms. "It's a boy." A grin spread across his face. "She's fine too, just needs a little rest."

Jack took the baby. A white blanket encircled a small dark face. His eyes were shut tight; but his hands waved about, boxing the air. "Want to see him? He's no different from any white child, but for the color of his skin." He held him out, but the officer stepped back.

"Let's go, Colonel. I don't have any time to waste." He waved his gun.

"Since they're of no use to you, can I have your promise that you'll let the doctor stay with the woman and her brother?"

"No promises. I'll see that the woman and boy are returned to their owner."

"What about the doctor?"

"I need him. I lost a surgeon two days ago."

Jack pushed through the curtain to hand the infant back. "The Reb said he'll return them to their owners. You're joining his troop. He needs a surgeon. I'm... well...."

Will nodded sadly and held out his hand. "Merry Christmas, my friend. You've sacrificed your freedom for me. No man could ask for more." His friend's eyes clouded. "I'll pray for your safety."

Jack turned to smile at the baby and mother bathed in the lamp light and thought back to the Christmases back home. This one topped them all -- the miracle of a birth -- new life in a world filled with so much death. Lena sensed his presence and looked up at him.

"I thanks you, suh. You done saved us." Her eyes overflowed with tears. "I be prayin' for you." Her brother stood at her head and Jack shook his hand.

"You've taken long enough, Colonel." The Reb grabbed his arm yet stopped to look at the woman and her baby. He suddenly moved closer to the bed. "Lena?" His eyes grew wide. "Lena, is it you?"

Her eyes searched his face.

"It's me, Parker. Parker Mercer." He moved closer into the light. "Don't you recognize me?"

All of a sudden, she smiled. "Parker?" She tried to sit up. "Parker, dat you under all that hair?"

He pushed past Jack to get to her. "I thought you were dead. I thought I'd never see you again."

Jack moved aside. "You know this woman? She's a slave, remember?"

The officer took the woman's hand. "Lena and I grew up together. We were the closest of friends. When my father sold her and her family, I nearly died."

Jack shook his head in disbelief, and the doctor's face broke into a grin.

The Reb smiled, then spoke in a husky voice: "Colonel Taylor. Doctor. You saved someone very precious to me at risk to your own lives. I certainly don't understand why." He shook his head. "Maybe it has something to do with that religion stuff you're talking about." He swallowed hard. "I'd like to repay you somehow." He paused to think, then shook his head. "As much as I detest the thought of fighting you again, I'm offering you your freedom."

Jack was delighted. "I accept your offer, Sir. And I pray we never meet on the battlefield; though that may happen, should God will it."

"You will provide medical care for her?" Will asked.

"Of course, I'll make sure she is well taken care of. The boy too."

"What about their freedom?" Jack asked.

The Reb hesitated a moment before answering. "I feel you are demanding too much of me; however..., I promise to grant that too." He added: "After the war is over."

Jack held out his hand. The officers shook, then parted. After a brief farewell to Lena and Obadiah, Jack and Will mounted their horses to join the regiment ahead of them. The sound of Confederate cavalry on the move followed close behind.

As they rode off into the cold starry night, the sound of the baby's cry echoed through the dark woods behind them. Jack turned his horse to look back, thanking God for the miracle he'd just experienced. He raised his hat in farewell. "Merry Christmas, little one."