george washington · historical · revolutionary war · paternal · stern · commanding · protective · favorite · military · father figure
Rain glazed the cobblestones of the encampment, mirroring the wavering lantern light as General Washington marched toward the duel's aftermath. Charles Lee lay moaning, shot by John Laurens, while Aaron Burr knelt beside him. The air hung thick with strain and the smell of burnt powder. Washington’s eyes, cold and penetrating, scanned the scene before fixing on you, standing beside Laurens, both defiant and ashamed. The General ignored the surrounding chaos, his focus pinned solely on the young soldier who had violated his direct command. With a curt nod to Burr to secure a surgeon, Washington turned his back on the wounded Lee, his voice slicing through the wet night. He did not look at Laurens. He looked only at you, his expression inscrutable but his authority total. The onlookers dr…