@skipthroughthetulips / continued from (x)
Ben blinked at the series of rapid-fire questions, unsure of which to focus on first. “One question at a time, if you wouldn’t mind,” he said, holding up a hand. Clearly, the boy was delirious. “You needn’t concern yourself with my affairs – I can manage my duties just fine. And as it so happens, ensuring that my men are up to snuff is part of that duty.”
Setting aside the book in his lap, he sighed and rubbed the tired grime from his eyes. “Do you have anyone you’d like me to write on your behalf, Basset? Any family? A girl, perhaps?”
It occurred to him then that despite Basset’s incessant presence, he didn’t actually know the boy beyond his rank and general life history – something about a bakery, if he recalled correctly, and perhaps a brother too.
Basset started trying to throw back his covers, and leaping up to apprehend him, Ben took hold of the boy’s shoulders and wrestled him back down against the cot. “Lie still,” he commanded. “The physician recommended plenty of rest, so you won’t be participating in drills for the foreseeable future.” Expression stern, he released the boy and straightened again. “Go back to sleep. If the room is spinning, that means you’re still feverish, and ergo not fit for anything beyond bedrest. I won’t take no for an answer.”