An unbelieving World War 2 Allied Officer finds out that he was killed after saving an innocent civilian under his care from unscrupulous elements in uniform. The prospect turns to be bleak for any kind of afterlife given his circumstance in matter...
Growing up, I discovered that I am a child of two houses. On the surface, I am the son of Baron Ivar Flaith Colm Speir and Mael Aisling Speir. However, on a deeper level, we are a branch family of the now-defunct Osraige Kingdom, once considered former royalty. We must keep this secret, as revealing it could lead to our purge by the current lords of the land. More pressing is my family's descent from Ivar the Boneless, an old Viking invader king. Though centuries have passed since his time, no one can verify the claim. It remains in the realm of hearsay and rumors among the populace. I have heard of obscure evidence supporting this fact, but nothing definitive.
Despite this, the people around our territory remain wary of us. They view us with distrust, especially because we continue to practice some of the old faith's traditions. My daily routine begins before sunrise. I sprint several kilometers, then complete 100 push-ups and sit-ups before breakfast. This regimen has been part of my life since I was deemed old enough to explore the estate. Other tasks include minimal farm chores as household assignments, followed by reading, basic math, and writing studies. My afternoons are devoted to combat training, a requirement as the son of a local lord. Occasionally, combat training is shortened to accommodate religious instructions from the local Cathartic nun. Since only a few priests remain in the area, the nunnery serves as the sole institute for spiritual studies. The teachings differ slightly from the religion of my old world, but they share many similarities.
Today, the household remains inebriated from last night's summer solstice celebration, a major holiday rooted in old traditions. With no set routines expected, I consider this a free day. Exiting through the back entrance of the manor, I slipped through a hidden crack in the perimeter wall concealed by dense foliage. I jogged to a nearby hill outside the estate to watch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast. I carried bread, cheese, and sweet meats from last night's revelry. For water, I drank from a stream at the base of the hill.
On my return trip, I sensed a presence following me. It felt small, like a rabbit or another small animal, but its persistence caught my attention.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
A pair of rough-looking men emerged from the woods and approached me with questions. The larger man spoke in a deep, burly voice, "Good day, lad. Are you alone?" I gripped the dagger hidden in my clothes but kept silent, refusing to answer the stranger's question. The man continued, "Well? We don't have all day. Have you seen anyone else around here?"
I shook my head and responded that we were near my family estate. I suggested they seek help from the mansion guards if needed.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
