Phantom Sniper

     Elijah and Xavier were out scouting as usual, sniping off targets and making sure the Fritz keep their distance. There was no action that day and as the sun was setting Elijah wanted to determine the accuracy of his rifle. He shot a bloated horse corpse and its organs sprayed the ground. Before Elijah could comment on his skill, a mystery sniper shot back and blew shrapnel into his eyes. It was up to Xavier to deliver a shot of his own. He shot twice where he saw the wisp of smoke and was able to deal the final blow to the enemy.

     From what I read on page 128, it is relevant to the character development that Xavier was finally acknowledged for his expertise in sniping. Even though this is his first kill, he has shown considerable skill throughout competitions. Elijah was the one who absorbed most of the attention but without Xavier he wouldn’t have been where he is right now. Xavier is allowed to take the dead sniper’s rifle and join in the shooting which makes him a much more valuable asset. Everyone in the camp is recognizing Xavier’s talent and in turn Xavier is ready to put out more effort and helping clean up the Germans in a more violent manner. Rather than set up and dig tunnels, Elijah and him are scouting and sniping any possible targets.

     Elijah is also proud and is surprised that Xavier got the kill instead as he exclaims,”We will get you a souvenir of your first great kill.” Of course, Xavier is squeamish about murdering people and doesn’t want to approach someone who was shot through the head. Soon, he discovers tricks to keep his food from coming up and he slightly becomes stone cold in his thinking. He learns that it is either kill or be killed so he chooses the former option. I believe Xavier will continue to develop a stern look on life and even as he tells his story, there is an obvious way how he acts differently between the past and the present.