The Eagle's Fate

Why did he seem to dislike her so?

Captain Valyev had been kindness itself when he stopped on the road to give assistance to Nadya, one of a vast crowd of refugees fleeing before Napoleon's advancing army. But the moment she told him her full name, his attitude had changed to chill hostility.

Gradually she understood that his behavior had something to do with her deceased brother, whom she had barely known. But what did the captain's feelings matter, she thought. She could tolerate his rudeness, his disdain. She wanted only to be delivered safely to her destination.

Yet it wasn't long before she realized, to her consternation, that this wasn't enough!