A Long Night

"Gilbert, you should get some rest," Arnold said with his hand on Gilbert's shoulder.

"I don't think I can sleep, Sir. I'm all nervous and tensed up with Henry riding for back up, and the attack earlier, and not knowing when they'll attack again and. Do you think Henry will be alright in this weather?"

"He'll be fine," William cut in, "He's the best rider in this squad, and quite possibly the best in the whole army. If there's anyone who can get through that mess of snow it's him. And he's experienced enough to know when to bunker down if it gets bad."

"Besides," Arnold added as he sat down, "He left early enough that he's probably out of the worst of it anyway."

"Well that's good," Gilbert calmed a second before panicking again, "Do you thinks they'll attack again tonight?"

"Probably not in this weather. But you never know. Sometimes an attack in unfavorable situations gives you the element of surprise. Which can often turn the tides in your favor. So we must always be vigilant." Gilbert tensed even more at this.

"Sigh, well seeing that Gilbert won't be falling asleep any time soon, I guess I will." William straightened and walked to one of the cots in the corner, "Keep an eye on Albert, will ya Gil. He's old and liable to fall asleep."

"Hey! I'm not that old, only ten years your senior. You can't call me old."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Good night."

It wasn't ten minutes later when they heard quiet snores coming from the corner.

"I don't know how he's asleep. I feel like a taunt bowstring."

"You'll become more accustomed to it with time. Learning how to sleep quickly in times like these is important to your survival. Because if you don't sleep when you have the opportunity, then you won't be at your best when danger does come. And that's almost asking to be killed. I'm not trying to scare you son, but having a calm mind and fortitude are necessary in the life of a soldier, so you need to practice even if it doesn't come naturally to you. Get some sleep son."

"I... Sigh. I'll try." He climbed into the cot and covered up, then tried hard to get some sleep.