Anvar brought him some water. “How is she?” he asked.
Linvin took a drink and returned the water skin to his
uncle. “I really am not sure. I have seen more than my share of wounds on the
battlefield but nothing like this. Her entire back side has been scathed. None
of her ribs are out of place but I am certain the breaks are inhibiting her breathing.
I will watch her tonight, but if she does not wake by morning, I fear she may
never. All of it is my fault.”
“How can you say that?” Anvar asked in shock.
“You were right, Uncle. I could have finished Hugon much
quicker. I could have spared her some of this pain and perhaps her life if I
had not sought vengeance. Once again I lost sight of the bigger issue and
failed.”
Anvar recalled his words on the ride earlier in the day. He
observed the agony of his nephew and sought to console the weary warrior. “My
words were meant to inspire you to become greater, not to tear you down. Though
it sounds like criticism to want you to be greater, you have lost sight of the
fact I am acknowledging you are great already. From your account, Hugon did the
bulk of his damage before you ever engaged him in battle. Perhaps you could
have ended the melee more quickly but I doubt
Miri’s condition would have been much better. You are not to
blame for this situation. I see now my lesson, which was intended to make you
aspire to be better, only sewed the seed of guilt in your mind. For that I am
sorry and wish I could take back those words.
“You are, however, dwelling on the negative. Had you not
gone back for her, to keep your promise, she would most assuredly be dead.
Whatever happens from this point forward, you did save her life. You are an
honorable man and I am proud to call you my nephew. Only such a man as you
would have been chosen for the Red Sapphire.”
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