Page 34 of Savage Devotion
Maybe.
"Exactly." I step back, creating a space that feels necessary for both our sakes. "Now the advance."
Shield-wall movement requires coordination and individual technique. Each warrior must maintain position relative to their neighbors while advancing or retreating in unison, shields overlapping to create an impenetrable barrier.
Theory. Practice. Survival and death.
Or bringing warriors home and burying them.
"Short steps," I show, shield raised, feet moving in controlled increments. "Maintain the line. Your shield protects the warrior to your right, theirs protects you. Break the rhythm, create gaps, and everyone dies."
Jorak's gap. Jorak's death.
My failure.
The guilt rises like bile, memories of that day threatening to overwhelm present focus. Jorak broke formation to pursue a fleeing enemy, his left side exposed for the split second that proved fatal. I could not make my warning shout heard in the chaos of battle, and my reaching hand was too slow to pull him back.
"I've got this, brother. Watch me earn our father's approval."
Pride. Stupidity. Same thing.
Same result.
"Kaelgor." Ressa's voice again, closer this time. "You're not here."
I blink, focusing on her face instead of ghosts. "The technique?—"
"Can wait." She sets her shield aside, stepping closer so I can see the concern in her eyes. "Where did you go?"
Direct question. Unexpected kindness.
Dangerous territory.
"My brother. He died because he broke formation." The words come out flat, matter-of-fact, stripped of emotion that would serve no useful purpose.
Truth. Partial truth.
Enough truth to explain without revealing the full weight of failure.
Something shifts in her expression, recognition rather than pity. "How old?"
"Nineteen. First real battle."
Numbers. Facts. Easier than feelings.
"You were there?"
Yes. Watching. Failing.
Unable to save him.
I nod, not trusting my voice to remain steady if I elaborate.
"I'm sorry." Simple words, but her tone carries genuine sympathy rather than empty platitudes. "Loss like that changes everything."
She understands. Personal experience rather than theoretical sympathy.
Who did she lose?
