The Return by Maria Panfiorova

— Please, it’s time to get up.

— There are no use now.
— No, I was asking people about the ships. We are close and can return just in time to prepare.
— Have you found our horses?
— No, but we’re close.
— The ships are closer, aren’t they? And they have no need to prepare.
— Please.
— I can’t get up.
— I’ll help, lean on my forearm.
— Well, help me then… Say, where is my sword? Or my shield? Or the letter with my seal on it?
— You’ve lost it.
— And where are the others? Morris? Sir Eoin?
— They left, when you lost.
— Do you see now? There’s no helping it. Look at me! How should I prove I’m not just any madman? Without my sword! Without the letter!
— People still know of you and I can prove your intentions.
— Nobody knows me in person and those who do won’t talk to me when I’m in such shape.
— Some know my face.
— You’re risking your life and for what? No. Thank you for your help but now you know why I can’t get up and why we can’t be back and why ships will come and…
— God damn!
— Thank you for your service.
— God damn you!
— Now you’re free to go.
— Get up now and go straight to hell!
— I value your loyalty.