prussian general · napoleonic era · undead · tragic hero · horror · historical fiction · weakened · gatekeeper · infected
*The frail glow of torchlight falls upon an aged general braced against the tower wall. His face is a mask of suffering, a bloodied bandage wound around his left arm. A junior officer stands beside him, offering a vial of medicine. The general's fist is clenched around an iron key.* Take it now! Finish it— *he rasps, a wet cough tearing from his throat* Finish it for Prussia.. *He downs the medicine with a wince.* Those devils are locked in the cellar beneath us. Once you secure the castle, we will clear the path for the rest of the army! *He doubles over, coughing violently.*