Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The killing fields ❯ Chapter 5

Chapter 5

 

It was a cold night but that wouldn't stop them. The wiring had to be done tonight. Silently the ten men climbed out into no mans land. Crawling on their bellies using the cries of the wounded as cover for the clanking equipment. Suddenly a flare burst over head. And the men played dead. Sergeant Mcgavern silently looked around there were rats every where. Feasting on the flesh of the dead. “Jesus Christ.”

He whispered. “What is it.” asked an anonymous voice. “Rats hundreds of them.”

The flare went out and they continued on soon the wire was in sight. Mcgavern signaled for them to get started. They set to work fixing and replacing occasionally a flare would be fired and they would have to play dead. Each time the Germans bought it. Sergeant Mcgavern glanced at his watch in another hour it would light. Alarmed he told the men to haul ass. Half an hour later they were done. And back into the trench another uneventful patrol.

The next morning the replacements arrived. Evans came out to inspect them and a little skinny man caught his attention. He couldn't be more than twenty and his size alarmed him. Although Evans wasn't sure why. “How old are you sergeant.”

Asked Evans. “

Twenty two sir I got transferred from another unit.”

Evans gave him a puzzled look. “What's your name Sergeant.”

“Ferret sir.” “What the Hell kind of a name is Ferret.”

Ferret didn't answer. Is your name the reason you got transferred.”

“No sir regiment sent me said you were short handed. I've been in France since 1915 so I have experience.”

“Where's your weapon?” Ferret motioned to his holster. But it wasn't a Webley revolver holster. “If your wondering what it is its Colt Single Action Army. I bought on a visit to the United States.”

“Where do you get the ammo?”

“Well I'm from Ireland but my parents live in Canada so they mail me the ammo.”

“By the way what's a Ferret?”

“Oh it's a little animal like a weasel they call me that because I'm skinny and I can fit into tight spaces.”

“Okay Sergeant carry on. And be careful.”

Evans personally didn't think Ferret would last long on the battlefield. But hoped he did have experience they were scheduled to go over the top tomorrow.

 

The men were delighted to have hot food for the first time in a month. But Evans knew for some men if not all it would be their last. Ferret had heard the news but seemed quite calm. As if he knew he would make it. But you won't make it and I'll be there to get that revolver. Well if he didn't die in the process. But everybody dies eventually Evans didn't fear death any more he never really noticed it any more. It was rather depressing. He no longer cared if John or ferret or him self for that matter died. Tomorrow was approaching and Evans hoped he would get the revolver.