The footprints sink a hand's width deeper than last week. It's not the sword that's grown heavier. It must be me.

• Sir RoidenYour sword's been half a beat slow lately. A slow sword usually means the mind's elsewhere.
  KlausI'll have that half beat found by next dawn.
• MartaSo that's why the kitchen fire's always lit first every dawn. I'll leave a bowl of soup out for you.
  KlausI never meant to trouble you.