Forge

Curzon rides in the supply wagon as the army marches toward Albany. He describes the burgeoning relationships among the men in his unit, but runs afoul of John Burns – a lazy, scheming, racist lout. Burns and Curzon fall into an argument one day, and nearly come to blows when Burns insists Curzon give him his boots. The fight is stopped by the sergeant, and things settle down, but in the days that follow, Burns sidles up to and flatters the sergeant. Before long, it’s Burns who’s riding in the supply wagon, and Curzon who is marching with the rest of the men.

They arrive in Kingston, at that time the capital of New York. The city is decimated, bombed out, burned, and in ruins. Still, Curzon and his friends manage to keep their spirits high despite the growing rumors and negativity spread by Burns. That night, their captain is set to dine with the colonel of the local militia, a remarkably wealthy man named Hardenburgh. Caleb allows Eben and Curzon to accompany the captain to the party. The two explore Hardenburgh’s mansion, excited to nip food. It’s in the kitchens, however, where Curzon comes upon Bett and Baumfree, two of Hardenburgh’s slaves.