Hidden under their collection of bloodred coats and dingy haversacks was the carving of letters and numbers that showed travelers the direction and distance to Charleston, South Carolina.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: In this quote, Isabel explains why she and Curzon cannot avoid the soldiers who are taking a rest in the cool shade of a tree, near a milestone. In order to find Ruth, they have to get the information off that milestone. If the soldiers see them, however, the stand the chance of getting killed or put back into slavery.

Our friendship lay in ashes, another victim of the unending War of Independence. Months earlier we’d argued terribly, as fierce as two armies, when he declared that he needed to enlist again with the Patriots. We’d called each other ugly names and exchanged cruel words that cut deep. By the end of the battle he’d agreed to stay with...
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)