The Armor of Light: A Novel

Kit has faith that Wellington will produce a plan, but the British army is separated from the Prussian army, while the enemy is close by. Wellington must join up with the Prussians and stop Bonaparte’s advance. When the British finally settle on a plan, they are interrupted by a barrage of gunfire, indicating that the French army is much closer than anticipated. With the British army pinned down, Kit runs messages along the frontline. He is surrounded by violence and death. He does this all day until he eventually collapses and falls asleep. The fighting stops during the night. Sal and Jarge crouch under a makeshift shelter. Kenelm conducts “nonstop burial services” (649). The living loot the dead.

The next day, the British lose contact with the Prussian leader, Blücher. The British and Prussian armies are now even farther apart, and the British must make a tactical retreat so that Wellington can choose a suitable site for the battle. They have succeeded in stopping the French, but the battle is far from over. A heavy rain begins to fall. In Brussels, Amos helps Jane pack to return to England. Elsie, however, is unwilling to leave Kenelm. She has “a very strong sense of duty” (652).