"You think we're supposed to fight fair?" James asked, taking his foot off the unconscious bartender. "A regulated duel like you just saw, and a fight for your life are two completely different things. On the battlefield, the only things that matter are survival and victory. And for a rookie, just the former will do. Cheap shots, kicking sand, or even attacking the wounded are all considered fair play when it's your life or his. Frankly, it's pretty lucky none of us have died yet."

He put a hand on Lily's shoulder, and tried to sound more comforting. "Stay back and be a healer, if that's what you'd rather do. Just someone to mend our injuries is a great boon. But if you really want to fight monsters and heathens next to us, you have to get your hands bloody."