Pax Aeterna
A/N:The title means "eternal peace" in Latin.
"Sir!" Thomas Chamberlain called as he knelt next to the dying man. The officer wore a gray Confederate uniform with a general's markings upon it. He had been hit several times and was barely conscious. "Sir!"
The man blinked blearily as he focused on Thomas. "Will you help me up, please?" he asked softly.
"Sir, could you tell me what your name is?" Tom asked. "Who you are?"
The officer didn't answer, instead saying softly, "I would like to speak to General Hancock. Do you know where… General Hancock may be found?"
Tom bowed his head, recalling what he had heard from other soldiers. "I'm sorry, sir," he said quietly. "The General's down. He's been hit."
"No!" the officer gasped. "Not both of us! Not all of us! Please- God-!" His face contorted in pain as his chest heaved.
"Sir!" Thomas cried. "Sir, we're having a surgeon come as quickly as we can."
The officer's eyes opened again, searching Thomas' face. "Can you hear me… son?" he breathed.
"Yes, sir," Thomas answered, leaning closer. "I can hear you."
"Will you tell General Hancock…that General Armistead sends his regrets? Will you tell him…how…very…sorry I am?"
Thomas nodded, removing his cap. "I will tell him, sir," he promised. "I will tell him."
As Armistead fell back, gasping for breath, beyond the pain he saw etched across the General's features, Thomas was certain he saw a faint look of peace. And he silently hoped peace would be given someday, not just to the General, but to them all.