The horses stirred and drew me from my thoughts. The colonel, sitting high upon his steed, had made his way to the front, thereby rustling the nearby horses. Edward and I stole a glance at each other, and I swallowed audibly. ‘This is it. We have to fight’, I thought, sweat beading on my forehead. We have seen many battles, yet I react the same each time. My nervousness is evident in my sweating palms and forehead. I jump as my friend, Edward, places a hand on my shoulder. “Be well friend. I have given my solemn oath that your wife and daughter will see you whole and well. I keep my word.” He smiled at me then, reassuringly, and I knew all would be well.
A large boom startled me, and suddenly I was coughing on soil. As the shot had whizzed past my head, my friend had pushed me to the ground, effectually saving me.