The characters that walk the pages of this book are fictitious, but their stories will be told many times and by many who have lived their nightmares, shared their joys and felt their pain. To those ends the word consequence was a word that they eventually understood.

Bill.

With his friends stood on foreign ground under a foreign sky. Their purpose, to fight in a war that would bring them honour, glory and the right of passage to a mind that was not as it was. Jim. A father whose sole intention was to survive and go home.

Jack.

The army had become a life he had got used to, only to return and live a life he no longer wanted.

Megan.

The blacksmith's sister, a fifthteen year old whose good fortune was to find herself in the company of people who loved her.

Ian.

Whose conflict with the enemy was only exceeded by his conflict with God. Mavis. The tempestuous lady who never really shook off the 'good time girl' of her past.

Michael.

An Irishman whose life was his school, and he taught it well.