After Astrid told her about the battle, they sat in silence. Vevina knew she was lost in memories of the battles fought. She placed her other hand over their clutched ones, giving it a comforting squeeze and reminding Astrid that she was there with her. Astrid pressed her forehead to hers, lingered for a moment as if needing to feel close, then turned away to look over the moors.
"The worst is discovering the cost of the battle. Seeing family and friends who have fallen or hearing the cries of the wounded you know cannot be saved."
"You risked your life to save your brother."
"And failed," she reminded and turned away from her. Vevina refused to be ignored. "I have seen the scars on your back and watch you writhe with nightmares."
Astrid turned her head sharply. She looked at Vevina a
