Love in War by Andrew Grey 2 Author’s Note
Originally figures of ancient mythology, satyrs were half-man, halfgoat creatures who were companions and followers of the Greek god of wine and the inspirer of ritual madness and ecstasy, Bacchus. Satyrs lived for sex with all women in general and particularly with fairies. Eventually the fairies disappeared, and satyrs turned their carnal appetites exclusively toward humans. Over the centuries, satyrs bred with humans, resulting in creatures whose appearance varies from the classic satyr to those with only a tail and small horns. As a remnant of their magical past, many satyrs are long-lived and possess a special gift or talent that develops as they grow and mature, such as weaving erotic and sensual dreams as well as nightmares. Over time, it was determined that dream weaving posed many risks and that the dreams of others should be left alone. In order to give satyrs another outlet for their hedonistic tendencies, the monthly satyr gathering, the Bacchanal, was created. This gathering is held beneath the full moon, and most satyrs are drawn to it, driven by an internal need. The Bacchanal is a night of stories, wine, music, and massive amounts of sex, lasting from sundown to sunrise. In keeping with the satyr tradition of storytelling, here are some of the stories of the Bacchanal.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 3 The leader of the satyr Bacchanal, the Baccharist, usually started each monthly gathering with the opportunity for everyone to share stories. During last month’s story time, the Baccharist’s mate, Cembran, told a story that really moved me. It was a story of love in a time of war, told by the person who experienced it. As he prepared to tell the story, Cembran’s attention seemed to shift as he stared over the fire, across the shimmering lake. He seemed to be staring into another time and place. Travis, the Baccharist and Cembran’s mate, sat on the sand behind Cembran, his chest pressed to Cembran’s back, his arms protectively wrapped around Cembran’s waist. I heard Travis whisper, “It’s okay, Lamb,” as he gently nuzzled Cembran’s neck. Everyone in the clearing became silent. The only sounds were the crackling of the fire, the lapping of the lake against the shore, and the gentle breeze through the trees. Softly and a little timidly, Cembran began his story. The farm was small, but very well kept, with a small house and barn. I arrived on a bright fall afternoon riding with Mr. Henry in the wagon. I’d been in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, hoping to find work when I overheard a conversation between Mr. Henry and another man outside the dry goods store. Mr. Henry had told the other man that he kept loosing his sheep to wolves and he needed a hand to help mind the sheep. My heart leapt and I approached Mr. Henry as soon as the men parted. We’d talked and he agreed to take me on a trial basis. Arriving at the farm, I jumped down from the wagon, pulling off my small chest that contained my few possessions. “Where will I be staying?”
Love in War by Andrew Grey 4 Mr. Henry pointed, “There’s a small shelter near the sheep pastures. You can stay there. I need you near the sheep.” I nodded as he continued, “You’ll eat with us.” Without further elaboration, he drove the wagon to the barn while I walked in the direction indicated. I found a small, sturdy wooden building not much larger than a chicken coop. Opening the door, I stepped inside and looked around. The shelter was clean with a small fireplace, bed, table and chair. The roof was low and I could just stand up without hitting my head. Setting my chest at the base of the bed, I left what would be my home, for a while anyway, and stepped back outside. The small fenced pasture, just outside my door, held about two dozen sheep quietly munching on the rich grass next to the barn. As I watched the sheep I heard someone approach. I turned to see a young man about 17 years old. He had bright eyes, a young round face, ruddy color, and long dark hair. He was wearing worn home-made work clothes and he was barefoot. “Hiya, I’m Joseph,” he smiled and seemed friendly enough, “you the new hand pa hired?” “Yes, I’m Cembran.” I extended my hand for him to shake. He looked at it for a brief second and then extended his own. “You sound funny. You ain’t from around here, are ya?” “No, I guess not,” I replied softly, not sure of his intent. “I didn’t mean nothin’ by it. I was just askin’.” Then he smiled a bright, happy smile. “Come on, ma sent me to fetch ya fer supper.” He slipped his arm over my shoulder and walked me back to the house. After lunch, I got acquainted with the sheep and scouted the area around the pasture for signs of wolves and other predators. There were plenty. I could see why Mr. Henry was losing some of his sheep. When I arrived back at the pasture, Mr. Henry was waiting for me. “Find anything?”
Love in War by Andrew Grey 5 “Yes, there are plenty of wolf tracks in the woods.” I was standing near the fence and I felt a warm nose nuzzle my hand. I smiled as I stroked the wool on the sheep’s head. “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to protect them. I’m going to sleep for the next few hours and stay up tonight.” Mr. Henry nodded and I thought I saw a hint of a smile. “Joseph will bring you dinner.” He turned around and headed toward the barn and I headed inside, leaving the door open for light. Opening my chest, I pulled out my blankets and made my bed before closing the door, lying down, and quickly falling asleep. I woke when I heard the door open. “Ma said to bring you this.” Joseph was standing in the doorway carrying a wooden plate, a mug, and a candle. He set the plate and mug on the table and turned to leave. He took a step and then turned back, “Can I set up with you tonight?” I nodded, “The more eyes the better. We’ll need a fire.” Joseph smiled and nodded before turning around and leaving. I heard his footsteps as he walked around outside. I ate the food he’d brought and went to join him. The sun had set but there was still a slight glow in the sky. I could see Joseph digging a hole to build a fire. I went inside, got my crossbow and the bolts from my chest, and joined Joseph by the fire. The night was crisp, but not too cold. Joseph and I talked softly and listened for unwelcome animals. “Where do you come from?” Joseph had settled on the ground, watching me with a curious look on his face. “I was raised in a small village in Switzerland.” I didn’t tell him that I’d left about 135 years earlier. “Were you raised here on the farm?” “Yup. Pa and Ma started the farm when I was still a babe.” He looked toward the woods and listened intently before returning his attention to me. “Some day, I want to be able to see the world.” His eyes
Love in War by Andrew Grey 6 had a far away, wistful look. “What was the village like where you grew up?” I took a deep breath, trying to remember clearly after so many years. “It’s smaller than Carlisle, located in a mountain valley surrounded by high peaks.” The memories came flooding back. “The houses are small and everyone knows and helps everyone else.” “What did you do when you lived there?” His face looked earnest and innocent. His attention diverted just long enough to scan the woods. “I tended my family’s sheep.” A slight breeze blew up and I saw Joseph shiver slightly before he moved closer to the fire and to me. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve never been anywheres else. Maybe someday,” that wistful look was back, “I’ll leave and see …” The snapping of twigs, near the edge of the woods, was the first sign they were close. I loaded a bolt into the crossbow by feel and listened intently. I saw a pair of eyes, between the sheep pasture and the woods, briefly reflect the firelight, and let a bolt fly. I was rewarded with a high yelp and then the night was silent, except for the sound of the sheep. “Joseph, light the lamp.” He did and I took it, walking carefully to where I’d shot the bolt. It didn’t take long for me to find the wolf. He wasn’t dead, but he couldn’t move. Using a knife, I finished him off, pulled out the bolt, wiped it in the grass and reloaded the cross bow. As I turned back toward the fire, I saw a wolf leap from the trees, heading toward Joseph. I heard him shout and without thinking, I aimed and loosed the bolt. I didn’t hear anything except Joseph’s shouting for a second and then … quiet. Racing to Joseph, I found the dead wolf about five feet from where he stood. He threw his arms around my waist and hugged me close. I knew he was just scared, but the feel of his arms around me and his body pressed to mine was heaven. After a minute or
Love in War by Andrew Grey 7 two, I heard voices coming from the house Mr. Henry came running toward us. “Joseph, lad, what was the screamin’ about?” He was still pulling his pants on when he reached us. Joseph immediately let go of me and straightened himself up. “I was startled by a wolf.” Joseph pointed to the dead wolf a few feet away. I retrieved my bolt, cleaned it and reloaded the crossbow. I had others, but this one was turning out to be lucky. Without much conversation, we hung the two wolves high in some nearby trees; we’d skin them in the morning. Mr. Henry patted me on the shoulder and headed back into the house while Joseph and I sat back around the fire. “You saved my life.” There was still a touch of fear in his voice. I squeezed his shoulder to reassure him and we remained quiet and vigilant for the rest of the night. Over the next few months I had a shadow and a friend. Wherever I went, so did Joseph, which was difficult because as soon as he’d hugged me that night, I knew I had feelings for him that I couldn’t act on. I also noticed that Joseph kept looking at me when he didn’t think I’d notice and occasionally I’d see these sidelong glances. I did my best to not return them, but I’m not sure if I was successful. I’d been on the farm about four months when Mr. Henry pulled me aside. He told me he was pleased with my work and asked me to stay on, “as long as you like.” He’d smiled and I returned it. “I’ve never met anyone who can handle the animals the way you do.” There was a touch of admiration on his usually stoic face. “It’s almost like you can talk to them.” “Thank you, sir.”
Love in War by Andrew Grey 8 “Call me Tom.” I was shocked and pleased; it meant that he thought a lot of me. And besides, the farm and my small house were starting to feel like home, something that hadn’t happened in a long time. The routine on the small farm continued for the rest of the fall and on into winter. The animals needed to be cared for and tended, chores needed to be done, along with the day to day business of survival: hunting, fishing, and making sure there was enough wood to keep warm. One late January evening, I’d just finished supper and was heading from the farm house to my quarters when I heard Joseph run up behind me. “Can I stay with you? The baby’s fussing up a storm and won’t quiet.” He was carrying his blankets with him. I nodded and together we walked the rest of the way. Once inside, I blew on the coals and started a small fire. Joseph spread his blankets on the floor and we sat together and talked. At one point, Joseph’s voice got really soft and I knew he was going to share a secret. “I’m fixin’ to join the Union Army in the spring, just as soon as I turn 18.” “Does you pa know?” He shook his head. “I was wonderin’ if you’d join up with me?” Joseph smiled at me and I could feel my stomach jump. “You don’t gotta answer now, just think on it.” I nodded and returned his smile before climbing into my bed. The only light came from the small fire and I watched as it danced and licked around the logs, lulling me to sleep. I was just about to doze off when I felt my blankets lift. Before I could react, Joseph had climbed into bed with me. “Joseph, I…” I was about to saw this wasn’t a good idea when his lips pressed to mine in a heated kiss. My arms wrapped around his back, pulling him tight against me. I’d wanted this since he’d first hugged me the night I’d killed the wolves.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 9 Cembran blinked and seemed to come back to the present. He turned his head and looked into Travis’ eyes, silently asking if he should continue. “It’s okay, Lamb. I know you loved him.” Travis tightened his grip and gently nuzzled Cembran’s neck, encouraging him to continue the story. Cembran whispered something into Travis’ ear that only he could hear and Travis responded by gently kissing Cembran’s shoulder and slipping his hand beneath Cembran’s shirt to slowly rub his stomach. Reassured, Cembran continued his story. Our lips danced together awkwardly at first, but he quickly got the hang of what he was doing. It had been a very long time for me, but my lips and body remembered. My fingers ran though his hair and along his cheek while my lips pulled on his and our tongues danced and played with one another. Sitting up, I pulled off Joseph’s shirt, his arms over his head. Then he slipped mine over my head before relaxing us back onto my small bed. The feel of his skin against mine sent aching shivers through my body. We continued kissing and I slipped my hands down his smooth, hot back and into his rough woolen pants, cupping his down covered butt in my hands. He moaned softly into my mouth as I kneaded his cheeks and my fingers teased along his crack. Joseph slipped off the bed, dropped his pants to the floor, and stepped out of them, before scurrying back under the warm blankets. His skin was warm, smooth, and it felt incredible against mine. I felt his fingers at my waist, pushing my pants down past my hips. I scooted a little and managed to kick my pants off my legs and onto the floor. We were now face to face, chest to chest, hard dripping cock to hard dripping cock. “Joseph, are you sure about this?” I didn’t know what I was thinking, but I didn’t want him to think I would take advantage of him.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 10 His answer was a soft moan as he took my mouth again in a fierce kiss. I was lost. The last of my will power crumbed and I fell. I knew at that second I fell into the abyss, this wasn’t just sex … at least for me. Gently, I shifted us so I was on top of him, my hands caressing his body as I nuzzled and kissed the base of his neck. He whimpered softly as I shifted to the other side, licking and nuzzling his throat before my lips found his small pink nipples. Joseph thrashed beneath me and thrust his chest forward as I sucked, licked, and swirled my tongue around the sensitive buds, first one and then the other. His hips were bucking against my hip and I smiled into his nipple as I stilled him with my hand. “Relax…” Joseph settled back on the bed as I gave his nipples a rest and kissed a path down his stomach, my head disappearing beneath the blankets. Joseph giggled softly as I tickled his sides with my tongue, sighed as I swirled my tongue into his navel, and almost cried out when I took the head of his cock in my mouth. I heard only soft moans and whimpers of delight as I worked my lips down his velvety smooth shaft. His hips began to buck gently and I moved with the rhythm he set while my fingers stroked and pulled on his balls. I heard a sharp intake of air and a deep soft groan just before he sprayed the back of my mouth with his release. I swallowed hard, sucking him deep and holding him there until he settled back onto the bed. I let him slip from my mouth and brought my mouth to his, kissing him softly as my throbbing cock rubbed against his stomach. His arms wrapped around my neck, kissing me hard. “I love you, Cembran.” Those sweet, wonderful words entered my ears and thrust me over the edge. I moaned softly into Joseph’s mouth as I came on his stomach before collapsing onto his body. It had been a very long time since anyone had told me they loved me and those simple words coming from Joseph meant the world. I knew in that moment that I’d follow him anywhere.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 11 “Joseph, I’ll go with you in the spring.” He smiled and kissed me again and again before using the corner of the blanket to clean us up. I quickly got up, banked the fire for the last time, and then settled him with his back to me, his body nestled against mine. Soon he was asleep in my embrace. Cembran took a deep breath and slumped back against Travis. Telling this story was definitely hard on Cembran. After a few minutes, Cembran got up and stepped to the nearby refreshment tables where he pulled himself a beer. No one around the fire moved or spoke. Everyone either looked at Cembran or Travis. One of the satyrs sitting near Travis leaned close and whispered, “Have you heard this before?” Travis shifted his gaze from Cembran and shook his head slowly, “I knew about Joseph, but I’ve never heard the whole story.” Travis’ attention shifted back to Cembran as he returned to the fire. Travis gently tugged Cembran back onto the sand in front of him. Cembran again looked at Travis for reassurance and the two of them shared gentle nuzzles and soft whispered words that no one else could hear. Cembran smiled, kissed Travis gently and returned his attention to the story. The remainder of the winter slipped past quietly. Joseph and I went hunting together, protected the sheep when they were out of the barn, and on sunny days, cut wood and completed as many chores as possible. Some nights, Joseph would spend in my bed, which was heaven. He quickly turned into an extraordinarily happy and giving lover. We were both careful not to arouse suspicion. Whenever he’d spend the night with me, I’d debate if I should tell him about myself … my secret. Each time I’d decide to keep quiet. One warm afternoon in late March, Joseph and I were out alone hunting. When we came upon a small stream, Joseph took me into his arms and kissed me deeply. Spreading our clothes on the ground, we
Love in War by Andrew Grey 12 made quiet love in the sun next to the babbling stream. After our passion had been spent, I held Joseph in my arms and he told me that he was going to tell his father that we were going to enlist in the army. Always a man of his word, Joseph told his father when we returned that he and I were going to leave to join the union army. For the last two years the union had been fighting with the southern confederate rebels and Thomas knew it was a matter of time before his son went as well. A few weeks later, Thomas drove us to town in the wagon and we signed up with one of the Pennsylvania regiments. Once we enlisted, we stepped outside and said good-bye to Mr. Henry. He hugged us both and I know I saw tears in his eyes as he said good-bye to Joseph. “Do what they tell ya and take care of yourselves and each other.” His eyes alternated from Joseph, to me, and back to Joseph and I could see pride, fear, and fatherly love all expressed at the same time. “We will, pa.” Joseph stepped forward and hugged his father goodbye. I thought for a second the strong man was going to break into tears, but he released Joseph, blinked his eyes a few times, took my hand in his, and after shaking my hand strongly, turned and walked back to the wagon. We watched as he slowly pulled out of town and out of sight. For the next few months, we stayed in Carlisle where we were trained along with the other new recruits. At the end of June, the regiment received orders that we were needed in a small town south of us called Gettysburg. So Joseph and I, along with the rest of our contingent, marched south. We arrived in Gettysburg late in the day on July 2. The previous day, the union army had suffered a setback at the hands of the rebels and they’d set up defensive formations on the hills and ridges to the south of the town. Our unit was ordered to take up a position along the union line between Little Round Top and Culp’s Hill at a place called Cemetery Ridge. As we took up our positions, we were cheered by the other
Love in War by Andrew Grey 13 regiments as we took our place and helped to fortify the line of men and weapons. All around us were the bodies of the dead. Wounded men were being loaded into carts and carried back behind the line to makeshift hospitals. The smell of gunpowder, sweat, blood, excrement, and every other vile thing you could think of was overpowering. It was all I could do to keep from vomiting. I looked over at Joseph and I could tell he was scared to death. He’d never seen war up close before. As darkness fell, the night was constant noise as union cannon continued their bombardment of the rebel lines. Joseph was standing next to me as the last rays of the sun faded and I reached to him and squeezed his hand and I heard him whisper, “What did I get us in for?” A tear sparkled in the fading light as it ran down his cheek. I leaned close to his ear, his scent filling my nose. “Shhhh…. We’ll be all right. We just need to stick together and watch each other’s backs.” I squeezed his hand again and watched as the last light faded. The line seemed to let out a collective sigh of relief and people started to move. No one strayed very far, most people settled on the ground leaning and resting against each other, their guns next to them at the ready. As the night wore on, I heard a harmonica play a slow, sad, almost mournful song. Soon there was another picking up the tune carrying it along, then another. It was beautiful, sad, and moving all at the same time. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and I heard Joseph sniffle and I knew he was feeling it too. Placing my mouth to his ear, I whispered, “Joseph, come on.” Taking him by the hand, I led him to the rear of the formation. About fifty feet behind us was a line of woods. Crouching low, we made for the cover of the trees. Joseph said nothing until we reached the shelter of the forest. “Cembran, they’ll think we’re deserting and shoot us,” he whispered, real fear in his voice. I shook my head, “They’ll think we went to the bathroom.” I pulled him by the hand deeper into the woods. I found a large tree whose
Love in War by Andrew Grey 14 branches reached almost to the ground. Ducking under it, I pulled Joseph to me, kissing him deeply and holding him tight. His lips responded immediately and his arms wrapped around me, holding me as tight as I was holding him. “I love you.” The words were moaned into my mouth while we kissed and I returned his feelings by kissing him harder. While we kissed, I pulled open Joseph’s shirt and slipped it off his shoulders, my hands stroking the skin of his chest. Spreading the shirt on the soft ground, I opened his pants and let them fall around his ankles. He stepped out of them and I laid them on the ground with his shirt. I felt his fingers on the buttons of my shirt and soon Joseph had it off me and on the ground as well. Opening my pants, I slipped them off and added them to the other garments. I slipped my arms around Joseph’s waist, pulling us close as I slowly settled him on our bed of clothing under the tree. I could barely see him, it was so dark, but I could feel him and I could hear his soft, excited breath. Kneeling next to Joseph, I followed the sound of his breathing to his lips. To say our kiss was intense was the understatement of all time. We devoured each other with our mouths. A slight breeze rustled the leaves of the tree as I shifted my body onto Joseph’s, pressing him onto the bed of clothes and into the soft bed of leaves below. “I love you, Joseph.” This was the first time I’d actually told him I loved him and as I stroked his downy cheek, I noticed it was wet. Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his cheek, kissing away the tears. “I love you, too.” His voice was soft, full of emotion. My arms wrapped around his shoulders, hands stroking my back. My legs lifted and wrapped around his waist. “Please…” My meaning clear with just the single word. I knew as well as he that we might not survive. Shifting my head, I found a hard nipple with my tongue, sucking and licking the firm bud. Joseph moaned softly into my ear. Wetting a finger
Love in War by Andrew Grey 15 in his mouth, he brought his hand to my butt, stroking and petting me before pressing his wet finger to my small opening. Carefully, he pressed the finger inside, to the first and then the second knuckle. I hissed softly, “Yessss,” before he clamped his lips to mine and thrust his tongue deep into my mouth. His kiss was so intense that I forgot what I was doing and just rode it with him. I felt my spirit start to soar, all the sounds around me receded, and the entire world narrowed to just Joseph and me. Gently, he removed his finger and pressed it into me again and I moaned softly into his mouth. He added a second finger, opening me for him. As he pressed the fingers inside, I felt my body tense and my legs tighten their grip on his waist. “Don’t stop, please don’t stop.” He didn’t stop and I could tell he had no intention of stopping. Curling his fingers together, he twisted them gently as he removed them and again pressed them into me. I was moaning and whimpering steadily now and he could feel my muscles loosen. “Joseph…,” my tone begging. I needed to know he was truly willing and truly wanted this … us. My legs tightened on his waist and his lips mashed against mine and I could feel him nod his head. He shifted slightly, I released my legs from his waist, and lifted my knees to my chest. After wetting his cock, making sure it was as slick as possible, he placed the head at my opening and pushed forward. As I felt my muscles part and allow him entry, I focused on his innocent face. It was too dark to see him fully, so I concentrated on the look he’d given me that first time back at the farm. I knew I loved him and I knew that tonight could be our last night together. Slowly, deliberately, he pressed into my hot, welcoming body. His hands caressed my butt cheeks, relaxing my muscles, making it easier for me. He leaned forward, capturing my mouth as he sank fully inside me. My body clutched at him and throbbed all around him, as I kissed him with all the love I felt in my heart. “I love you, always remember I love
Love in War by Andrew Grey 16 you.” I stroked his cheek as I uttered the words directly into his ear. He started thrusting, slowly and gently, allowing me to get used to the sensations. I pushed my hips toward him, meeting each thrust. We wanted this to last, so he set and kept a slow steady pace. “Cembran, I never knew. You feel so good.” Joseph’s head was rolling back and forth on our makeshift bed and he let his hands roam over my body as he continued pressing into me. I heard him whisper, “I’ll love you always,” as a rocket burst overhead, for a brief second lighting our hiding place, and I could see the passion on his face just before I felt my muscles clasp tight around him. He pressed our mouths together to stifle my cries as I came on his chest while he pumped his own release deep into me. He withdrew from me slowly, reluctant to sever the physical connection between us, before resting next to me, holding me tightly in his arms. “We should get dressed and get back before we’re missed.” Joseph kissed me and then lifted his body off the ground and started picking up his clothes. I got up as well and after gathering my clothes, we dressed hastily. Once we were dressed, I sat on the leaves and signaled Joseph to sit next to me. “I have something to tell you.” I could barely see Joseph’s eyes in the darkness. “I was born in a small village in Switzerland about 160 years ago.” I couldn’t fully see his face, so I couldn’t judge his reaction. I could only continue. “I’m part satyr.” I let my cloak go, picked up his hand and pressed it to the small horns on my forehead. I heard a sharp intake of air and then a rocket burst overhead, momentarily casting a red glow. Joseph started to shake and back away, “What are you, the devil?” Joseph jumped up and started to run back to our regiment. I raced after him. When we reached the regiment, Joseph was babbling and the other men backed away from him, thinking he was a little crazy. I threw my
Love in War by Andrew Grey 17 arms around him and tried to comfort him. He looked at me in the dim light, and seeing no horns, seemed to calm down a little. “Shhh … Joseph, it’s all right.” “D…d…don’t hurt me,” he whispered between frightened tears as he squirmed away from me. I could feel my heart breaking as he stared at me in horror. “J…j…j...just keep away from me.” The men around us looked at him strangely for a second and went back to what they were doing. Joseph sat on the ground away from me, watching intently as I sat alone on the ground and cried softly to myself. Tears filled Cembran’s eyes and rolled unhindered down his cheeks. Travis held Cembran close, his own eyes brimming with tears that glistened in the firelight. The others gathered around the fire were wiping their eyes and sniffing softly. Not one set of eyes wandered from Cembran. Everyone was under the spell of his story and silently waited for him to continue. Cembran took a deep breath as if to say, “There’s more …” and continued telling the story, his voice now strong and remarkably steady. I must have dozed off for a few hours. When I raised my head, the first signs of the sun were appearing in the eastern sky. I looked around and saw Joseph sitting alone away from the other men. Slowly, I got up and walked over to him. “Joseph, we need to get ready.” His eyes fluttered open and for a second, I saw fear and then confusion. “I had bad dreams last night.” I extended my hand, he took it, and I helped him off the ground. We hustled to get ready and into formation. During the day, the rebels advanced on our position; each advance was beaten back, and our line held. The noise, the smell, the cries when someone was hit are hard to describe, other than to say it was as close to absolute hell on earth as I ever want to come.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 18 Late in the day, we saw a tide of rebels advancing across the field in front of us. Wave after wave of them, hundreds, thousands of them. It looked like a flood of men. As they got closer, the entire line erupted in volley after volley. The smoke from the rifles was almost blinding, the sound of men crying as they were hit, the yelling of orders, and the smell of death overwhelmed the senses. The man in front of me went down and I moved forward to take his place. Luckily Joseph and I had been stationed near the rear of the line, so we were out of the direct line of fire, at least initially. The rebels were taking a real beating, and they still kept coming. I heard cries as men were hit all around me. Ignoring those cries, I took aim and continued firing through the nearly blinding smoke. The attack went on for hours … minutes … seconds, time had no relevance. We just fired at anything that moved through the smoke in front of us, laying down a curtain of gunfire and bullets. Eventually, the rebel advance petered out, they broke ranks, and raced back across the field. We continued firing, taking out many men as they retreated. As the shooting died down, a cry went up from the ranks. It was then that I looked around for Joseph. It took me a few minutes, but I found him behind the line on the ground. He’d been shot in the stomach. I knelt next to him. His eyes were open and he tried to speak, but no words came out, only a trickle of blood. I wrapped my arm around his shoulders and hugged his dying body to mine, quietly sobbing softly in his ear, “I love you. I love you.” Looking into his eyes, I saw him blink and I swear I saw him try to say, “I love you.” Then his eyes closed and his body went limp in my arms. I kissed him gently on the lips, hugged him close, and then rested his body on the ground. The battle was over and we started the process of retrieving the wounded and burying the dead. Just before nightfall, I carried Joseph’s
Love in War by Andrew Grey 19 body back to the tree where we’d made love the night before. I buried him beneath the very spot where he’d told me he loved me. The tears flowed unhindered down Cembran’s cheeks, but his voice remained firm. I moved on with what remained of my regiment and spent the next year fighting for the union. When I was discharged, I returned to Carlisle just long enough to get my things and tell Mr. and Mrs. Henry what happened to Joseph and where he was buried. When he finished telling the story at the Bacchanal, there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere. Travis, comforted him, holding him in his arms as tears ran down both their faces. (At the time he was telling this story, Cembran was approximately 310 years old and looked nearly the same as he did then.) Cembran reached into his pants pocket and drew out his hand, displaying two brass buttons. “These were Joseph’s. I cut them off his uniform coat, just before I buried him.” Cembran gulped back his tears, “I just hope he knew how much I loved him before he died.” His mate, Travis, held him tightly, rocking him against his body, “I’m sure he did, Lamb. I’m sure he did.” Slowly, Travis got up from the sand and helped Cembran to his feet. Without another word, he led Cembran to their Bacchanal shelter just inside the trees. The Bacchanal continued as usual for the rest of the night, but Cembran and Travis weren’t seen again until morning.
Love in War by Andrew Grey 20 Other satyr stories by Andrew Grey…
Stories of the Bacchanal… My First Bacchanal A Small Kindness Available at Dreamspinner Press… www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Love in War by Andrew Grey 21 ©Copyright Andrew Grey, 2008 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Dan Skinner/Cerberus Inc.
[email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America October, 2008
