Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Jo oversees the aftermath of a brief Strou skirmish, scavenging the field and organizing the dead. She discovers a young Maile soldier barely alive, but a hearthstone ax through his spine proves fatal despite her efforts. General Samasu pulls Jo from the field as bodies burn and the camp sinks into weary silence, deepening Jo’s guilt over the war she set in motion.
Summary
Jo moves through a battlefield scattered with Strou and Maile dead, overseeing collection of usable weapons and the piling of bodies for burning. She notes Strou raiding tactics meant to divide Maile defenses while winter closes in. General Samasu urges her to rest, while the taciturn shielder Fredrich watches nearby.
While searching for Maile colors among the fallen, Jo uncovers a young soldier she recognizes from camp. Initially appearing dead, the boy is discovered to be breathing shallowly. Jo summons healer Raina and strips the boy’s armor, revealing a black hearthstone ax embedded through his abdomen and spine.
Despite Raina’s resigned look, Jo forces an attempt, wrenching the ax free. The lack of bleeding and the boy’s final exhale confirm his death. Surrounded by soldiers, Jo processes the loss, then helps Samasu carry the body to the cart and posts the fallen’s emblem for identification.
As Strou corpses burn and smoke signals rise into the hills, Samasu insists Jo is finished for the night. Jo returns through a subdued camp where men offer respectful bows. The brevity of the skirmish makes the loss feel senseless, and Jo’s guilt—knowing she started this war—settles heavier amid the winter-bound quiet.
Who Appears
- Jo (Jovinnia)Commander on the field; searches bodies, tries to save a wounded Maile youth, and bears deepening guilt for the war.
- General Samasu (Sam)Pragmatic commander; orders Jo to rest, helps recover the fallen, manages the aftermath with restraint.
- RainaHealer; assesses the mortally wounded soldier and tacitly acknowledges there is nothing to be done.
- FredrichQuiet shielder assigned to shadow Jo; observes during cleanup, maintaining distance and vigilance.
- Young Maile soldierFarm boy from camp; found with a hearthstone ax through his spine, dies despite Jo’s efforts.