Fiction Activity

Competition
[GJW XVI Phase II] Fiction - Letters From The Front
Textual submission

Zsoldos,

It is a funny thing writing a letter home when there is precious little in the way of audience. Who wants to read this letter? The barmaids and the drunkards sitting back safely while the fighting is raging? The old and infirm, or the wounded and the dead? Perhaps our creditors and widows?

Enough of that worry and reflection. This war is not like others. This was is a shadow war, a war of illusions and mirrors. A war of ghosts and memories. In truth it feels like this war is ourselves against ourselves, fighting against the sins of the past. What else can this be? Our strengths in this plane of existence are our weaknesses, and our weaknesses are paradoxically our strengths. What evils built this place, what Justice shall be wrought on us for coming here.

The journey here was not so bad however. We made the move on our transports and warships. The size of the armada was impressive once all of the Clans assembled and were met by the Iron Fleet. Odd feeling, that, seeing all the Clan forces arrayed together as opposed to squaring off in deadly hostile fire. Seeing the battle scarring on some of the ships from battles we personally engaged in was surreal.

The most surreal aspect, to be honest, was entering the void. Coming across the gate in all its awe and curious wonder is a moment I shall never forget but also never want to experience again. I know we will, it lucky, have to exit the same way we came in. If I live to tell that tale I will hold myself blessed to not have to do it again. I hope that I will not die in this forsaken place, this world between worlds. I take pity on everyone who has. I hope if we survive this order we can take everyone back to real space. Even the enemy. No one deserves to lie in rest here.

Either way, signing off now. Not sure who will ever read this letter back home. Hopefully it gives some idea of the war to the home front. If I make it back this might be a small reminder of these events. If I do not make it however, remember me for whom laid down his life for the Clan.

Mauro Wynter