“I know.” Jack took another step forward.
“He came out full of pride and glory, a young man in his strength, and now he’s gone. Go, Jack, leave me alone.”
Unable to bear Helen’s suffering, Jack withdrew, closing the door behind him. Soldiers may gain the glory and see the horror, but women were often the forgotten casualties in war, he thought. What an evil thing war is. What an abomination to set men killing and maiming other men so that some merchants can increase their profits and kings, queens, Amirs and presidents can alter the colour of the map.
Jack was in a foul mood when he returned to his quarters. He threw his tunic and pistol belt onto the floor and helped himself to a glass of William’s brandy, tossing it back without taste. He was in the act of pouring himself another when
