But how could he ever get home?
Run?
Where to run to?
To desert was to become a "traitor" and a "deserter" in the eyes of the law.
Wait?
And just how long would he have to wait for an end?
…
While Winters was lost in thought, Gerard came out of the town hall with the clerk Panveche, both beaming with delight.
As they walked, Gerard instructed, "Go back and tell Eileen to make sure everything's well-prepared today. On your way, also invite the Wilkes family and the Bunting family. Ask them to bring a couple of bottles of good wine..."
Upon seeing Winters upon exiting, Gerard exclaimed excitedly, "Lieutenant Montagne, we must have a good drink tonight! It's been a long time since we've had such a great joy. Oh, do you have a place to stay? Our town is small, with no hotels, so you should stay at my place! Really, although our town is small, the people here are all very kind…"