The Taleweaver

Battle of Belgera, part two

"Mama, what is he doing on the street?"

"He's tired, dear. Now come away from the window."

Michain wouldn't obey, but she could have dragged him away if only she was able to close the shutters. Impossible. She needed to watch, needed to see the remains of the balcony across the street from which their neighbor had fallen two stories head first. Now his body was still, just as if asleep, with the balcony draped over his legs like a winter blanket.

She hoped he wasn't cold. It was still winter, but maybe covered like that he was warm enough. Tears ran down her cheeks.

Darain, you never told me it was like this. How do you stand the campaigns? Darain, I love you. Please come home!

She continued staring blindly out the window long after soldiers cleared away the corpse and the sharp cracks of destruction were muted thunder several blocks away.