Transcriber's Note
Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. Variations in hyphenation have been standardized but all other spelling and punctuation remains unchanged.
About This Book
Set during a civil war, the narrative follows a young military-school graduate who joins a local independent company and becomes entangled with a domineering officer and an ill-disciplined Home Guard. Through skirmishes, raids, conscription conflicts, captures and escapes, and an imprisoned group's account, the plot moves toward inspections and orders that test loyalties and promises. Episodes of scouting, intelligence brought by a returning rider, and strained command decisions highlight themes of leadership, obedience, camaraderie, and the personal consequences of impulsive authority amid wartime uncertainty.