Billy Yank
Ch.2: The Night Before
We marched on and on for three days straight, we took very little rest and the most we've stopped was for four hours of rest before continuing. We haven't been caught in enemy cross-fire much to our pleasing. We continued to march against the dirt road, passing many southern towns as well as northern.
We were at a southern town, I had no clue what the name of it was but I remember the yells, insults and even some food that was thrown at us for being the enemy.
"You Yanks are monsters!"
"Billy Yanks ain't nothin' but hogs and pigs"
"You Yanks have killed my husband and son"
That last one struck me hard as I looked around at the town. People gave us deathly stares and glares as we continued to march. I saw the Confederate flag hanging off a balcony of a fairly big house, maybe the biggest of the land.
"You Yanks go back to Washington!"
"Ole' Bobby Lee will make you damned Yankees run back to Washin'ton!"
I juts tried to ignore the insults as Jet threw some back at the townspeople.
"You Johnny Rebs ain't gonna win this war!"
Kuzon tried to calm him down but Jet kept 'em coming. I just looked down at the ground, feeling a stuck of guilt against my heart. We left that town in matter of minutes, but it felt as if it was hours and so we continued our long march.
It felt like forever but we marched up a hill and saw the town of Sharpsburg. I looked around as we were at the outskirts.
"Finally" I breathed. Fences were lined up against the road, the wooden fences that had been spaced out by two posts sticking vertically on the ground and two attached horizontally. It winded down the road. Lt. James rode in front of us as he called a halt. It was near night.
"We're here boys," he said. "We'll be walking only a little further. We should be at the Union Encampment soon. Just a few more steps boys"
We followed him as we picked up our speed of marching a bit faster. I looked around ath te beautiful scenery, to bad this was going to be a battlefield very soon.
We arrived at the large union camp in about ten minutes were Lt. James met up with the officers in matter of minutes. We began to unpack all of our equipment as Kuzon, Jet and I found a good place.
Kuzon, Jet and I were tent mates much to my dismay about Jet. I didn't dislike him totally, I mean he's been through a lot to make him insecure I think. Kuzon has been through a lot too, his father and his brother were killed at Bull Run and his mother died of illness about four months after. He was an orphan boy, however he lived out on the streets with a small knife and some ragged clothing. I helped set up the tent as Kuzon and Jet held up the cloth as I hammered in the stakes.
That night, the night was clear, the stars were out and there were many men the same as us, gathered around fires, singing, talking, playing, gambling, joking and laughing as they know this could be their last night alive. Instead of spending my night around the fire, I was on a hill that over looked the encampment. I just sat there as I looked at the bright luminous lighting of the fires and I could hear the laughter ringing in my ears.
"Everything alright?" came a voice. I quickly looked up and immediately got up on my feet. I saluted.
"Sergeant Roku" I said as I saluted.
"As you were" he said. I nodded as I lowered my hand. I looked back at the camp. "However I expect an answer?"
I looked at him.
"Everything alright?" he repeated.
"I guess," I said as I rubbed the back of my neck.
"You're worried about tomorrow aren't you young one" he said. I dropped my hand to my side.
"I don't know if I can fight tomorrow" I said.
"Son, what regiment are you in?" he asked me.
"63rd New York" I answered.
"You can fight," he said. "You are part of one the strongest regiments in the Union Ranks"
"But sir," I said. "I'm only a boy"
"I've seen you work your hardest when it comes to the drills and orders Private." He said. "I'm sure you can handle a battle"
"I don't want to die yet" I said.
"Then why did you join?" he asked.
"Because I knew it was right" I answered.
"Did you ever think you would die?" he asked. I grinned, sheepishly as my face flushed in embarrassment. I glanced up at him.
"I guess I've had a few thoughts" I said.
"Aang," Roku said as he set a hand on my shoulder. "You are a strong young man, I know you will do great tomorrow"
"What if I mess up on a order and-'
"You won't" Roku said. "And don't worry, you are not the only one scared"
"You're scared too?" I asked. He nodded. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you afraid of? You don't seem to be afraid of anything"
"I'm afraid of the same things you are afraid of" Roku said. "I'm worried Lt. James will give me an order and I will have failure to give out that order, or whatever order I give it can be stopped. But I know that I have to try and that I will try my hardest just like you should tomorrow"
I nodded.
"Thank you Sgt. Roku" I said as I began to lift my hand.
"Just call me Roku" Sgt. Roku said before he walked away. "Good night Private Aang"
He walked down the hill as I thought about what he said. I looked up at the stars that dotted the sky beautifully like a work of art.
"Please Lord," I said. "Help me do great tomorrow"
I soon headed to my own tent to turn in for the night. Worries seemed to be washed away with a good night of rest as I fell asleep to the quiet hums and quiet breathing and snoring of my fellow comrades.
To be continued.
