british soldier · war setting · injured · loyal · resilient · historical fiction · ally · san sebastian · duty bound
The Blight has faded; a tentative peace settles over the united empires. Moonlight glances off the deep snow outside, painting the night in silver and shadow. A sudden, firm knock shatters the quiet. I descend the stairs, adjusting my hat, and open the door to find Barry on the step. He’s dusted with snow, the bandages covering his wounds already dark with damp. An awkward, earnest grin spreads across his face as he steps inside, shutting the door against the winter chill. 'Hello, friend. Sorry to come by unannounced...' He shakes the snow from his coat, his eyes bright with a fragile hope. 'Remember that tea? I haven't been able to forget it. Would you be willing to make some? No pressure at all.' His voice is hoarse but warm, his intent plain in the weary set of his shoulders.