The night had already wrapped the sky like a dark velvet cloak dotted with twinkling stars that blinked like distant eyes. Inside the field tent was Sebastian. Unlike the others, who were fast asleep, he was kneeling on the ground, mumbling words that only he could hear, his hands clasped together and his eyes closed like a blank canvas, lost in prayer.
"Lord, I thank you for the protection and blessings you bestow upon us this day…"
Just as he was reciting the prayer as if it were his daily routine, countless shadows could be seen lurking around their base. Their steps were swift and quiet, like the wind.
"Please guide us with your loving hands. Protect us as we protect the people in our country. Bless us and our families, and give us strength and protection to overcome all the challenges we face each day."
Before Sebastian could barely finish his prayer, a visible red dot focused on one of his comrade's temples, leaving the two others jawing stunned in silence.
"Father, may you forgive us for our shortcomings and sins, in the name of Jesus, our great Savior…"
…..And before the others knew it…
"Amen— BOOM!"
A loud explosion and gunfire jolted the sleeping soldiers awake, causing them to hastily grab their weapons and prepare for another endless battle.
CLICK-Clack-
Thunk-
-KABOOM!!!
"ARGH!"
Screams, violent chorus of gunfire, and the bombardment of explosions pierced the air, shaking the ground as Sebastian and the others fired upon figures wearing deep green wool tunics adorned with brass buttons and high fur lined caps. The fierce war against Russia and Europe continued, marking the end of many lives, as Russia's insatiable greed for power and authority threatened Europe, trying to bring the entire continent under the control of power hungry politicians.
"Argh!"
"HU-Huff…HA-"
Sebastian groaned as he felt an excruciating pain from the bullet that had left a deep hole in his right arm, feeling as if his skin was melting like wax under a flame. In desperation, he tore off a part of his clothing and tied it in a makeshift knot to stem the tide of blood threatening to spill forth from his arm. His hands trembled as he applied pressure, desperately trying to prevent the crimson liquid from flowing out of his arm.
"ARGH!"
"Oh-HUFF…Oh! God!"
He muttered, biting his lower lip while his other hand gripped his injured arm.
Bang!
Boom!
KABOOM!
With each explosion, Sebastian felt his eyes flutter shut, tightening his grip on his wounded arm as if it held the thread of his life.
Amidst the chaos, he was startled to witness the crumbled bricks shift before him. His hands trembled as he slowly pointed the rifle in the direction of the fallen pile of rubble when—SNIFF! An eight year old boy gradually emerged from the jagged wall of debris.
His small form was covered in dust, and his skin was smeared with dirt and blood, the crimson liquid cascading down his arms. His lips were chapped and cracked like parched earth, trembling as his cries mixed with the deafening gunfire.
Seeing a trembling child on his sight, Sebastian could hardly believe his eyes, rubbing them as if to dispel the nightmare before him.
"Uwahh! I'm scared!"
The boy wailed, tears streaming down his dirt smudged cheeks, as Sebastian swallowed hard with a pounding heart, aching as he reached out to the child.
What is a kid doing here?!
He thought, a mix of worry and confusion clouded his mind.
"Husshhh…There, there, don't be scared."
Sebastian whispered softly, brushing the tears from the boy's cheeks with his gentle yet trembling hands, as he tried to wipe away the horrors in his eyes.
"Help! please, I need to save my sister!"
The boy then clutched onto Sebastian tightly.
"Hussshhh… First, we need to get you to a safe place."
Sebastian spoke as the Lieutenant general appeared at the scene. Based on the anxious look on his face as he approached them, a breath of relief washed over him when he saw Sebastian standing still, alive amidst the chaos which immediately shifted into shock the moment his gaze landed on the child.
"The kid, we need to save him."
He affirmed, staring into the general with a determined look in his cold sapphire eyes.
Richard then smiled as they tried to escape the death before them.
Sebastian carried the child on his back despite the blood spilling from his wounded arm while the General guarded the two. On their way to the base, he planted bullets at the Russian soldiers' heads, even slicing off the limbs of the enemies with his thin bladed sword made from steel, a blade that symbolizes of his high status.
.
.
.
"The child has already been treated."
"He's resting now."
Gently spoke by the wound dresser as he stepped out of the tent, where they caught a glimpse of a little boy lay sleeping soundly in his cot.
Earlier, after they safely arrived at the shelter, it had been difficult to discern the features of the child's face. But now, after being soothed with a damp cloth and having his wounds tended to, they had a clear look at his delicate appearance, resembling that of a porcelain doll. His striking features alone revealed the blood of an enemy who could not be easily trusted or allowed to linger in their tent for long.
"We can't keep the child."
Richard spoke, his voice infused with a mix of worry and distrust.
"We're not yet certain if he embodies the enemy's blood within his veins."
Sebastian's attention shifted towards him as he lowered the tent flaps that had once opened to the view of the peacefully sleeping boy. Shifting his full attention to Richard, where his gaze clearly reflected disapproval of what he wished to do.
"The child already said he was a slave."
Sebastian insisted.
Just then, their attention drawn to one of his comrades as soon as he open his mouth to speak.
His voice was calm yet somber.
"I—I was once a slave too."
They turned to look at him.
"Back then, I did everything to survive, even if it meant killing your own flesh and blood."
Sebastian couldn't respond, nor could the others, as their gazes were fixed on him, as if silently requesting for his decision.
**********************************
Author's Note:
Hi, dearest! It's Mai, your favorite lazy writer—not yet an author. Today's update is not an April Fools' Day prank—YAY! This is actually an update. If you've been wondering where I have gone, the past few months were hell for me (– ⌓ –). Don't ask me why or I'll cry. Anyways, after months of hiatus, I'll just end up writing a few words... (๑•̀ᗝ•́)૭ I hope you all enjoy reading it though. Also, please don't expect too much from this novel. I love writing random stuff and turning it into a novel to free my thoughts. Thank you (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶). Also don't forget to follow me on my TikTok and IG accounts, it's where I'll post spoilers and updates. That's all for now. Love lots!!! •⩊•