Page 104 of After 5
The men’s eyes dropped to the level of Sam’s crotch. I fought the smile twisting at my lips. Occasionally, a man’s concern for his privates outweighed his valor.
“The general has sent orders for General Ewell to attack at first light,” Sam said, his eyes glued on a general who had remained sitting at the table.
Upon hearing his name, Ewell rose bent in a painful stoop. Using crutches, he limped toward us. He stopped in front of Sam and scowled.
“These are my orders?”
Sam nodded. “And I’m to take an order to General Longstreet, attack the enemy at its center.”
The men stood in silence. No one addressing the order. Gertie had done her job by telling Sam to take the order. I was proud of her.
An amused soldier with an English accent sidled up to the discussion. “I’ve heard of this germs. Can be deadly if not left for the poor chap to recover. I suggest you mind the good doctor and plan your moves accordingly.”
General Ewell saluted and limped off toward a group of horses corralled toward the rear of the camp.
I gave the Englishman a nod and followed Sam toward the tent. Before entering, I spoke to the soldiers stationed on either side of the tent flap.
“No one enters this tent. The general has a highly contagious illness that could wipe out an entire corps in days.”
The soldiers took a step back from the tent, and I saluted them.
Once inside, I took note of the provisions. A small desk and chair, possibly confiscated from some poor banker or lawyer in town, sat against the wall to the right. The desk held a large lantern, maps, a bible, and a pair of spectacles.
Marco laid on a makeshift bed built from timbers. An upgrade from the cots provided to the colonels, and a world away from the cold, wet ground the lower ranks slept on in the open fields. It was the reason many generals headquartered in the homes they commandeered from the locals.
“What are you up to?” Marco asked me.
“You’re feeling better.” I sat on the travel trunk next to the bed.
“I’m not hallucinating any longer if that’s what you mean. My leg still hurts like a mother, thanks to the asshole you worship like a Greek god.”
My eyes fell, but not in time for Marco to miss the shine in them, and the anguish on my face.
“Jen?” He placed a hand on my arm.
“Caiyan was shot in the back by a Rebel soldier,” Gertie explained, handing Marco a cup of water she poured from a canteen.
A glint of concern showed on Marco’s face. He stared down into his cup. “Is he—”
“No,” I said. “He was still alive when I summoned Ace, but the gunshot could have been fatal.
“You summoned Ace?”
“I didn’t know it was possible. He doesn’t arrive until the morning, so he came and took Caiyan back to base.”
“What about me? I could get an infection in this god forsaken place. To hell with the Mafusos, I’m summoning my vessel and getting the hell out of here.” He placed his fingers on his key.
I covered his hand with mine.
“Marco, I need you to be General Lee until I can figure out why my vessel won’t return, and until I can find the seer and Mortas.”
His blue eyes pierced mine with an icy glare, but he lowered his hand.
“For fuck’s sake. How long do you think Lee’s staff is going to let me sit in here before they come inside?”
“I told them you have a contagious illness and need a day of rest to recover.”
“What, Malaria? Yellow fever? Pneumonia? What have I got that’s not carried by half the army? Your lie won’t keep the generals at bay.” Marco’s voice escalated to how do I get myself into these situations level.
