Had something... happened to Sandsfern? Was this truly her? The leader she remembered could have driven this guilt from her mind. Her charisma would have been enough to drown her doubts for long enough to reach the next drink. Her smile would have been able to chain her heart in a moment. What had happened? Where was she? Why wasn't she convincing? Way wasn't she able to get inside her head and make everything else go away?

She turns her head to the side, looks at her mistress. She looked the same as always. Sounded the same as always. But this time her heart did not pound and her stomach did not churn. Something was different and if it wasn't with Sandsfern...

"I am glad," lied Robena, for she had to shed all her oaths now. "That you are content, for such was my final service. I have died here tonight, Lady Sandsfern. My oath is fulfilled, and I can be at peace that you were pleased with my service."

She dropped her axe. Its mighty weight sinks inches into the soft earth and it stands tall like that.

Then Robena walks from the field.