Many Mansions

Set in 1867 Virginia, two years after the end of the Civil War, Many Mansions is a novel that explores the explosive and far-reaching consequences of one act of compassion.* * *For the first time, Abigail was aware of their surroundings. They walked through nearly invisible woods smothered in smoke. Although cannons thundered; firing rifles whistled and popped; musketry roared and crackled; and men shouted in battle cries, alarm, or pain; nothing could be seen but smoke, muzzle flashes, and occasional figures looming from or disappearing into thick haze. Even in her dream, Abigail's eyes burned and watered; briars scratched her face and hands, snatched at her dress, and tripped her. All was chaos: deafening, blinding, crippling chaos. Abruptly, the smoldering, tangled underbrush of the woods ignited. Flames burst into the air, trapping startled men who stumbled, panicking. Wounded men lying in the brush screamed for help. Those who were able tried crawling to safety but were held fast by brambles and incapable of discerning, in the directionless, smoke-filled pandemonium, where safety was. Gideon knew the way, though. He led Abigail from the inferno into a clearing.

"I've been here before..." said Abigail, a sudden chill enveloping her. "This is where you died."

from Many Mansions