A Divided Heart

The barracks were silent, save for the distant ring of armor and the stifled murmur of soldiers preparing for the ineluctable battle ahead. But in the sequestration of private diggings, two hearts were hurting in ways that no war could ever compare.

Adrian sat at the edge of his hut, his fists intertwined in his hair, elbows pressed against his knees. The inviting burden of Flora's final words counted down on his casket, choking and grim. He'd fought against numerous foes, ...