After the second form blocked the doorway, Herbert dropped all pretence of hospitality and openly scowled. Why was peace and quiet seemingly now such a commodity? Then he took in the man’s appearance and had to subdue a wretch of convulsion. Burn scars covered half his face: rippling waves of glossy white tissue, giving the impression of wax, stretched across his skull, with rivulets of red, raw flesh meandering between. A lidless eye starred out, unnaturally wide-open, red and swelling with tears. 

At the mention of Russia, Herbert felt an itching sensation behind his eye, but then it was gone. They must have been soldiers from the Russian front, injured and sent back home for rest and recuperation. It certainly explained the burn, and the missing knowledge of location. These men must have been part of an assault involving the castle mentioned. Quite what English were doing there was beyond Herbert, but he did not want to question the military. 

However, the burnt man seemed to be under the impression that they were in a holding cell. Perhaps capture had been imminent before their timely rescue and transportation home. 

Certainly, it would seem that way, for yet another person entered Herbert’s room, and he could not stop the groan escaping his lungs. This man was far shorter, and seemed to have a peculiar glass eye, and even more peculiar and garish slippers. He spoke with a familiarity to the room. Not surprising as men from the same village or town were often deployed together. They couldn’t live more than a stone’s throw from the hospital then. 

Then the castle was mentioned once more, and the itch flared up fleetingly again. There was the suggestion to talk elsewhere, and to find the others that were with them at the castle. Herbert whole-heartedly agreed. He was about to voice so, when the short man seemed to have a breakdown, likely triggered by the mention of said castle. Herbert had no doubt it was awfully traumatic. 

The confidence and semblance of composure was lost, and spittle and gibberish flew from his mouth in equal volumes. He even seemed to think they were underwater. Herbert found himself quite frightened, and wondered where the hospital staff was to sedate this man. He ended by introducing himself. 

Herbert was quick to try to let this ticking time bomb explode far away from him. “Pleasure to meet you Mr Fitzgerald, however I am really rather tired, so would appreciate the chance to rest, by myself. Alone.”  His ingratiating smile had slipped back on.

“I’m sure you understand.”