Simon stayed in the infirmary for a whole month to have a full recovery. He was visited by his father who seemed proud and disappointed of him at the same time but Simon couldn't be bothered by it and as soon as he saw his father he started to beg him to take him away from the camp back home where it was safe. His father rejected his idea and told him, "you were seen fleeing away from the battlefield leaving everyone behind which can be considered desertion in a way."
The look of horror grew on Simon's face, he knew what it meant to be considered a deserter. He would be publicly executed to avoid more deserters in the future. His father continued, "but you running away was also seen as a blessing in disguise since the captain leading the troops said that it was due to your scream and sound of gunshots that they got to know about the attack from the forest otherwise all the soldiers would've been wiped out. So the military has decided to allow you to join the army even though you aren't of age yet." Simon figured out what had happened the captain had probably seen him running away and he decided to help Simon by making it look like he had been sent to scout the forest instead of running away as he originally was.
He had also received a letter from his mother who was genuinely worried about him and had scolded his father but was still helpless infront the military order.
He also got to know about his fellow volunteers who weren't as lucky as him. Apparently many of them were dead or crippled for life. Alec had died being beaten to death after he killed a Union soldier by biting out his throat because his left arm had been lost in an explosion due to a grenade and other limbs were shot. They soldiers who had witnessed this scene said that he was no different from a rabid animal.
After he had recovered enough he was sent to the tents of Captain Jasper Whitlock, a rising star in the war. He had been able to be promoted to the rank of Captain in one and a half year thanks to his capabilities. He was also the one who had lead the soldiers in the army camp attack and had emerged victorious against all odds.
Simon arrived in front of his tent and announced his presence, "Private Simon Lance reporting to duty, Sir." "Enter" came a calm but domineering voice from inside. Simon straightened his back and braced himself before he went inside the tent.
There he saw the person who was at the front line leading the soldiers while he was running. The honey blonde hair reaching his eyes, white skin and brown eyes that looked at the boy who had entered the tent.
"Yes ,Sir" Simon said as soon as he entered giving his utmost respect to his savior.
"So those idiots even started to send little kids to die in the war it seems only men were not enough." Captain said after taking his eyes off the paperwork he had been doing.
Simon shocked at what he had just heard. He had never imagined that someone would openly insult the military officials.
"Now that you are under my command you have two options number one use your age as an excuse and rely on luck to survive through this hellhole. Or second option I will train to be strong enough to get out of any situation and make your chances of survival go higher."
Simon was no idiot he knew how much benefit being trained by the rising star could do to him. But Simon still had a question in mind.
"Why?"
"Hmm, why what? Why did I protect you from the brand of a deserter? Why you are under my command?"
"Yes. You had no reason to help me you could've just taken the credit for repelling the enemy attack from both sides."
"That's because you are just a kid who should've been going to school, lazing around, hanging out with friends instead of bloodying his hands. As far as I see there is no crime that you were accused of. You were just a boy trying to live not a soldier fighting to protect."
Simon had never expected to be told such words he had believed that the captain had asked for him so that the public opinion of the captain would soar higher. He thought that him being alive was nothing more than a publicity stunt that the captain needed.
Simon nodded his head while looking at his feet and said, "I understand, Sir. Thank you for choosing me in your company. I would like to opt for the second option I would do it to survive and live through this mad time. Sir."
"Good. You'll start your training tomorrow go get yourself familiar with the company."