For the Family

Although deep down she favored her clever and accomplished younger son most, that did not mean she loved her hardworking and dependable elder son any less.

When she heard that Peter was about to set foot on a dangerous battlefield, her heart immediately clenched.

For a while, the atmosphere at home grew unusually heavy.

The four of them sat around a dinner table that was more lavish than usual, yet no one had the appetite to enjoy it. They ate the tasteless lunch in silence.

Peter shoveled down a few bites before breaking the silence. "Mom, Amina, I have to report back to the barracks this afternoon for group training. I probably... won't be able to come home until after the war is over."

At those words, his mother's eyes immediately reddened, and tears slipped silently down her cheeks. Amina began sobbing as well.

"Mom, don't worry too much." Peter tried to make his voice sound lighter. "We militia members might not necessarily be sent to the front. Besides, the military pay has gone up this time. We're getting a Silver coin a month now!"

"When it comes to war, how can you decide not to go to the front just by saying so..." His mother shook her head through her tears, her voice choked. "Weapons don't have eyes. What if..." She couldn't bring herself to continue.

Amina cried out, "Brother! We don't want this house anymore! We don't want this land! Let's go back to our old home! I don't want you to go to war or take any risks! Please? Let's go back and farm our old land!"

In her simple way of thinking, as long as they left Carnford, her brother would be safe.

Peter gave a bitter smile and shook his head, his tone firm. "Silly