Demons at War by P. A. Minyard

Author:P. A. Minyard [Minyard, P. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781943386604
Publisher: Capraro Press
Published: 2019-08-17T04:00:00+00:00

13

DESPERATE INTENT

February 18, 1863

Dear Gerald,

Your kind words have warmed my heart, and I scarcely know how to respond. I do think of you often and fondly. The walk we took is a constant reminder of your gentle nature. I look to the days when we shall take such strolls again.

I am most proud of your appointment to Camp Chase. Everyone here agrees with me as well. It is an affirmation of your skills and knowledge as a soldier. Who better to train our fine young men than the best we have to offer? It’s such an honor for you. Thank you for sharing it with me and letting me be a part of it.

I do not wish to bore you with the mundane passing of time that so often passes for news in our small town. You have far more important matters that demand your attention. There is one bit of news I hesitate to mention but think you should know. Daniel has decided to return to battle. We were unable to convince him otherwise. I wish you had been here. Maybe your words could have swayed his actions. He appeared to have fully recovered from his wound, something you told us would probably not happen. I think the weight of guilt drove him back to war.

Take care of yourself and know that you are constantly in my heart. I pray for your safe return and Daniel’s return as well.

Yours in fondness,

Beth

Two weeks had passed since Joshua’s death, and there was still no sign of Benjamin. His mother and father continued to insist that they had no idea of his whereabouts. Their farm would remain somber and silent as no one dared speak of what had passed.

Spring was beginning to show itself more often, but Jonathan found no joy in the bright, sunny days. He kept to himself and shared very few words with his family. He would sit for hours at a time in the rocking chair in Daniel’s bedroom, holding tight to the pipe Daniel had left behind and staring out the window.

“Robert’s set to make another delivery to Ohio tomorrow,” his father said, breaking the silence at the breakfast table.

Jonathan seemed not to hear him. He continued to push the eggs around his plate.

“He’s asked for some help this time. Jonathan, I think you should accompany him.”

“You want me to go?” Jonathan looked up, slightly confused.

“I can spare no one from the foundry right now,” his father answered, “and I think the trip would do you good.”

Jonathan could see Beth watching their mother. They both expected her to protest, but she kept to her meal without interjecting.

“Pack your things today. You’ll have to leave early in the morning. I don’t want to hold up Robert.”

“Yes, Father,” Jonathan replied. He didn’t put up a fight or get excited; he simply remained indifferent and went back to picking at his breakfast.

The next morning, his mother rose early and packed some canned goods and baked items she had prepared to make the journey more enjoyable.

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