Curzon Smith

Curzon Smith is the main character of the novel. He is a young black boy who has just turned fifteen when he enlists in the army for a second time. He had earlier been enlisted in the army in the stead of his former owner, Bellingham, who promised Curzon his freedom when he finished his stint in the military.

As the book opens, Curzon has just been rescued from Bridewell Prison by Isabel. Nine months later, she sneaks away from him because he will not agree to go with her to Charleston to look for her sister, Ruth. Curzon happens upon American and British troops fighting while he is looking for the road to Albany. Instead of going to Albany, Curzon winds up signing up with the army for a second stint after he saves Eben from being killed by a British soldier. Because Sergeant Woodruff, Eben...