Prisoner in Time (Time travel) by Christopher David Petersen Page A

shadow at first. Through the trees, in the distance, David noticed a shortened tree trunk swaying with regularity. Within several steps, the tree began to take shape… then color. Immediately, he slowed to a stop.
     
    “Why are we stopping…?” Geoff asked
     
    “Shhhh,” David blurted instantly, cutting Geoff off.
     
    He squinted hard and focused on the area in question. Geoff looked at David’s eyes and followed them out into the distant forest.
     
    “What are we looking for?” he asked aloud.
     
    “Dammit Bud, when I tell to you be quiet, you really need to listen,” David shot back.
     
    Still focusing intently on the distant forest, he held up his finger with authority, signaling Geoff’s silence. Insulted and defiant, Geoff opened his mouth to retort.
     
    Instantly, David shoved Geoff off the path toward the woods. Immediately, he understood the gesture and hurried unrestrained in the direction of his guide. Hopping over bushes and logs, both rushed deep into the forest away from the path.
     
    Sighting a small depression in the land, David hurried past Geoff and jumped into the small ditch. As Geoff approached, David quietly signaled him to crouch down beside him.
     
    “What is it?” Geoff asked nervously, his volume barely audible.
     
    David pointed. Geoff stared, but sighted no one. Pointing his finger more forcibly, Geoff sharpened his focus. Through the distant forest, the shadowy trees transformed into men. Moments later, the gray uniforms of Confederate soldiers were easily discernible.
     
    Geoff’s heart raced with the sighting of humanity. He felt both fear and excitement at the same time. As the soldiers came into full view, he stared in amazement at the sight of ancient history being revealed before his eyes.
     
    “Cool,” he said, in a nearly silent tone.
     
    David shot him an annoyed looked then brought his finger to his lips, instructing the teen to keep quiet. The small detail of soldiers hurried on by, cautiously scanning the region with nearly every footstep they took. Holding their guns low and parallel to the ground instead of mounted to their shoulders, it quickly became obvious these men were involved in more than a standard march. Moments later, as they hurried out of sight, David breathed a sigh of relief.
     
    “Phew… that was really close,” he said, his tone barely above a whisper.
     
    “Guess we’re close to the right year,” Geoff responded. “Those were Confederates.”
     
    “Yeah and I’m guessing we’re in Union territory,” David replied.
     
    “Why would you say that? If those are Confederates, wouldn’t this be Confederate territory?”
     
    “Did you study their movements? They weren’t out on a casual march. They were sneaking through, with their rifles at the ready,” David answered.
     
    “I guess I didn’t see that,” he replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.
     
    David stared into Geoff’s eyes. Geoff could see intensity staring back at him.
     
    “If I hadn’t seen them when I did, we’d be dead right now,” he said in an ominous tone.
     
    Geoff swallowed hard as he thought about David’s words.
     
    Downplaying the impact of the message, he replied casually, “Naw, they’d probably just question us and keep moving.”
     
    “Geoff, if you’re going to survive this, you’re going to have to change your perception of reality. This isn’t a game we’re playing with your friends. There’s no teachers acting as referees like you have in school and there’s no ‘do-overs’ when things go wrong. We’re in the middle of a war and one misstep could spell our deaths. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?” he said in a grave tone.
     
    Geoff didn’t answer. David’s words found meaning deep within his mind. Staring back at David, he nodded simply in understanding.
     
    “Ok, let’s keep moving. Keep your eyes peeled. We need to get to Chattanooga before darkness sets in.”
     
    Geoff nodded, then asked, “Why