To: Clair

To: Clare

Dear Clare,

How are you? I am doing well. It's been a slow week, which is good. Less action is good.

It 's been almost two years since I saw you last. It feels even worse than it sounds. They allowed me to return when father died. I have never been so troubled, but at least I was able to see you once again. I could see your face once more.

I miss you every day. I will get to see you soon. Just a few more months. I know it. I hope it.

                                                                                                * * * * * *

The morning sun cracked through the night's dark. The morning began with sounds of alarm bells tolling to their might. Alan had served in this war against Kalecrest for three years now. Kalecrest was the neighboring country to Penketh. The two country's leaders fought constantly, and often sent men to battle. Alan had married Clare little before being sent off into war.

The calm week had past, and this morning the men from Kaelcrest appeared. They marched in the night, under the cover of darkness. The men from both sides now fought.

                                                                                              * * * * * *

I heard we received a girl. Evelyne. We said we'd name her Evelyne, after your mother. I hope she will grow as fair, and kind as you are. She should be two soon. I have missed her first years. I hope to make up for it, by being there for the rest of her years. We will teach her to swim, and cook, and read. We should teach her to swim in the lake by Redstone road. She'll love the fish, as my brother and I did. We can do it in the summer, where she will practically run to the waters to cool off.

I will make up for being gone. She'll grow up with her father, and she will grow up safe if we win this war.

                                                                                          * * * * * *

The camp was full of the sounds of metal clashing, and pistols shouting. Tents blazing, men screaming, and hearts racing. Alan crouched behind a wooden crate, where he kept his coat. He and his friend, Morvyn, attempted to keep the Kael men away. The Kaels who had already entered were storming, and everyone who was not wounded was in the field, attempting to rid their camp of the infestation.

                                                                                       * * * * * *

After Evelyne, we should try for a boy next. We could use the help around the house. I'm sure Evelyne will be helpful to you, but a boy will help keep the animals away. We don't want rats, raccoons, or other pests around. A good boy, or two, with some rocks should do the trick. The Lord knows Turi and I did our part with keeping the beasts away. We didn't call Brant "Turi" for fun. The boy was as fierce as a bear. It's been a couple years since I have seen Turi. I think about him quite often. Can't help but wonder how he'd handle this war. I laugh at the thought. We would have probably won by now with him by our side.

                                                                                      * * * * * *

They came in waves. They were prepared to end the fight there and then. And so were the Penketh men.

"It's like they spawn from the pits of hell themselves!" Morvyn shouted from across the room.

"Well, let's treat the demons as they are!" said Alan, with a grin.