Chapter VIII - Coming of Age      ... The uncivilized human is yelping insanely and flailing a red war club as Wade flinches. Before he can fully draw his sabre, the savage swings the club and lands a crushing blow to Wade’s right leg. He drops to his knees, barely visible above the tall meadow grass. Wade is too injured to combat this ferocious attack, and I again dash to confront another assailant. The painted warrior looms over him grinning and slowly unsheaths a hunting knife. The barbarian appears to be pleasuring himself as if on the brink of killing prey. I am seconds away when the mad savage pounces on Wade, knocking him backwards out of my sight. Suddenly, the redskin’s knife-clutching hand rises above the tall grass, and my heart plummets as the blade thrusts downward.   “Wade, noooooo!” I scream ...   ... This war affirms the fragility of life, and I come to grips with my own mortality. Never again will any day pass nonchalantly, but with substance and purpose. I also reflect upon country and family, never before realzing how fleeting each can be. The war challenges not only our nation's defense of freedom, but our total being and fortitude as a people. God willing, we will prevail to preserve our cornerstone of liberties and beliefs ...      ... Hearing about the fall of our national government angers and disheartens me. Wade and I discuss the gravity of the situation, and I feel compelled to reenlist. Mother, acquiescing to my initial enlistment, is not so passive this time. She pleads with me to reconsider, citing every reason imaginable to bolster her position. When I stand firm, she has nothing short of a temper tantrum. “Adam, I will not hear such talk. You already served our country. I could have lost both you and Wade,” she vents, quavering with teary eyes.   “Mother, I must do what is necessary to protect our lives and land,” I insist calmly.   “And I must do what is necessary to protect my sons. Give me a rifle and point to the enemy. I can shoot as straight as any man!”   Her face reddens with anger.   “Now, Mother, settle down,” Wade interjects, trying to pacify her.   By now Father is alerted to Mother’s seldom heard boisterous voice and enters the room.   “Caroline, what may I ask has you so riled?”   He rests his hand atop her shoulder.   “Adam has thoughts of reenlistment. I will not hear of it!”   She stamps her foot against the floor with fists on her hips ...   Continue to chapter ...   TABLE OF CONTENTS         Prologue I.      Shiloh Plantation II.     Six Mile House III.    The Arrival IV.    Charleston Tour V.     Highwaymen VI.    Fires of Hell VII.   City Bastille VIII.  Coming of Age IX.    Presidential Ball X.     Voyage of Faith XI.    Day of Reckoning XII.   Fall Harvest XIII.  New Year Politics XIV.  Lurking Danger XV.   Steps to Eternity XVI.  Haunting Love