The hot morning sun beat down heavily on the Benson military camp. Thick clouds of brown dust rose high into the air. In the large dirt training arena, hundreds of young soldiers were practicing their sword drills. The loud sounds of wooden practice swords clashing together echoed across the wide, open field.
Damon stood on the wooden balcony of the main command building. He was looking down at the soldiers, but he was not truly seeing them. His mind was miles away, trapped in the events of the early morning.
A memory flashed vividly in his eyes.
He remembered waking up in the bedroom at the mansion. He had opened his eyes, hoping to see Camilla sleeping peacefully beside him. But his side of the bed was cold. Her thick wool blankets were neatly folded. She was already gone.
He remembered walking downstairs to the grand dining room for breakfast. The large room was empty. He had looked at Mr. Murry, who was setting the table.
