Just the previous night, an expedition of men had marched to the gates of Fornost, also known as Dead Man's Dike, and assaulted the guards in an attempt to dispatch the front lines of the enemy host. But the orcs knew of the attack, and countered the surprise, slaying many and taking several more captive, only to be tortured and help captive until death. Among those taken was their captain, a man of Trestlebridge called Captain Trotter. Brengeth and Thrundrid had ventured with the company, and now vowed to retrieve all those captured. All the survivors of the horrific skirmish had retreated to their camp in the Greenway for safety during the night. As dawn broke and the sun peaked over the hills to the East, Brengeth woke the warriors for a briefing... whether they wanted to be or not. "Greetings warriors of Trestlebridge! You may be thinking that last night's battle was but a mere nightmare, but I remind you that it was all too real. Your captain is being held captive, along with many of your brothers, sisters, and allies. The enemy cannot be allowed to claim more of your town's lives! Muster to ME, and I will be your captain. I will reclaim the lost, and wipe the North Downs clean of the tainted orcs and dead!" "I'm never going back there, sir! My brother was slain before my eyes! You cannot take me back there!", a young soldier exclaimed. Suddenly, several other voices rang out in resistance. It wouldn't be easy to get these men to quiet down and fight for the common good. "I cannot promise your friends back, but you must at least try!", responded Brengeth. "It is by your own free will that you follow your allies and myself back to the fortress of Fornost, but is it not worth attacking the... ... middle of paper ... ...red everywhere, as the chaos came to an end, and the triumphant mortal men stood upon the bodies of the enemy, without even a single loss of life on their own side. Pouring into the next courtyards and up stairs, they dispatched their foes so fast, not a single alarm could be sounded. Bows twanged as straight shafts were launched through the backs of those retreating. Both minstrel and captain could not believe their scheme to claim the first gate and courtyard had gone so well! But it was not finished yet, and they would have to push even deeper into the city, where their friends had been taken to rot in cells. However, their foes would grow in power, and when no orcs reported in later that night, suspicion would rise, and the generals of the Enemy would know... there was an assualt coming... they would be ready... and they would not let their fortress fall...
Kelman, Herbert C., Hamilton, V. Lee. “The My Lai Massacre: A Military Crime of Obedience”. Writing & Reading for ACP Composition. Ed. Thomas E. Leahey and Christine R. Farris. New York: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009. 266-277. Print.
These men are transformed into guilt-laden soldiers in less than a day, as they all grapple for a way to come to terms with the pain of losing a comrade. In an isolated situation, removed from the stressors, anxieties, and uncertainties of war, perhaps they may have come to a more rational conclusion as to who is deserving of blame. But tragically, they cannot come to forgive themselves for something for which they are not even guilty. As Norman Bowker so insightfully put it prior to his unfortunate demise, war is “Nobody’s fault, everybody’s” (197).
There is an obvious need to ensure that all soldiers act according to military orders rather than their own personal political motivations. At times, the military’s need to protect military order supersedes a soldier’s right to political speech. There is a delicate balance between protecting military interests and a soldier’s right to freedom of speech. Interests of the military, including protecting national security, promoting order and discipline within the military, and safeguarding military secrets must be balanced with a soldier’s right to tell his or her story and the public’s right to know the truth about the war on terror.
"I made my first visit to them as chaplain on Sunday morning. The scene beggars all description. Some of them were comparatively young men. But they made the fatal mistake. They had only twenty-four hours to live.... Here was a wife to say farewell to a husband forever. Here a mother to take the last look at her ruined son, and then a sister who had come to embrace for the last time the brother who had brought disgrace upon the very name she bore by his treason to his country."
Sunrise: Thirty-seven people were housed in the Rowlandson garrison house. Abruptly gun shots were heard, three other houses were under attack. It was not long before the warriors turned to the Rowlandson's house. Amid a flurry of bullets, three men were killed. Suddenly the smell of smoke permeated the inside of the house; the attackers had succeeded in setting fire to it.
The war takes a heavy toll on the soldiers who fight in it. The terror of death will infest the minds of soldiers...
...t across the neck in good order and passing to the right of Bunker's Hill laid down a covering fire for Prescott's men. Gardner was first and was soon wounded. Michael Jackson took over for him and was soon joined by companies of Connecticut troops. Soon the British advanced on them and were in a bloody stand-up fight. In good order the troops fell back turning time and again to lay down delaying fire. Thus, did most of the men escape across the Neck to Cambridge.
“They can murder whoever else they would like, for me the war will never be over.” (Collier and Collier 200) This quote was taken from chapter 14 of the book My Brother Sam is Dead by James and Christopher Collier, and was said by Mrs. Meeker. Mrs. Meeker is a mother and wife during the Revolutionary War, and lost both her son and her husband due to the war. Sam Meeker, who is the oldest Meeker, brother ran away to fight for the Patriots, though his parents claim to be Tories. Although both sides of the war are experienced and expressed in My Brother Sam is Dead, the authors make a strong conclusion throughout the book that war is gruesome.
Also, as consequence of this many of my companions were unfortunately hounded by the government. I am proud to be someone like this this show by my part that I have the courage to stand face to face with them, speak the truth,
They become part of the regiment proudly known as General Barlow’s Boys. The war turned out to be nothing like they expected. All ...
The townspeople then surround the townhouse where the kings money was lodged threatening to kill the troops with clubs. He then received information the mobs of people have declared to murder the troop by taking him away from his post. Captain Thomas Preston then sent a non-commissioned officer and 12 men to protect the sentry and the king’s money in hopes to deescalate the situation before it gets out of control. After arriving Captain Thomas Preston came across the rural crowd screaming and using profanity against the troops telling them to fire. C...
“Where is he going?” shouted one soldier, “should we help The Leader of the Geats or wait for his return?”
The soldiers endured a lack of adequate leadership, which contributed to the author’s reasoning for his dislike towards the war. Disrespect from soldiers to their leaders was apparent, but was expected when the same respect was not being given back in return. Taking advantage of his job, Reno, a squad leader in charge of O’brien, awakens him ten minutes earlier and causes a mistrust and lack of respect to be instantly built.
“I have made a mistake and I must live with it. I don’t care how but I will get my revenge. Forward, we must catch them quickly before they spring their trap.” Gashard turned away, urging his men to move faster and shouted, “The enemy is within reach!”
However the conflict arises when James is reluctant to leave and is determined to stay with “the only brothers he has left”, in order to defend a strategic bridge who’s defense is vital in determining the immediate tide of the war. Again, Captain Miller, after already loosing two of his men, decides that Ryan and his fellow soldiers cannot hold the point on their own, and that he and his men will aid the already weakened defenders in hopes of not only defending the bridge from the Germans, but also to save Private Ryan from what would other-wise be his inevitable death.