The sounds of war have reached the capital making the atmosphere tense, the sounds of fighting could be faintly heard in Tina’s house. Every rumble, every clash of their weapons, brought a new spasm of involuntary terror to her bosom, which was twisted into a painful knot of concern at her stomach. She spent her time with Hannah, Philemona, Moana, and the twins sitting close in the room full of shadows, illuminated only by the feeble candle burning.

Beyond the huge door, the real world lay, the world of a great war: the sound of the great, heavy drums could still be heard. Groaning and calls of soldiers, ringing metal...