May need to polish up a bit yourself, soldier. “Stirs but not embolden” could use a fix. Otherwise a satisfying sequel, articulating those moments before the end.

Love the tags.

“Sherman burned my family’s property” is a badge of honor that never quite caught on down here. But he did, and when I meet him in Hell, I will likely stand in line for a turn to kick him in the nads. That being said, you’ve eloquently captured a moment, as per your usual. This one in particular strikes a nerve, and that’s always a welcome experience.