In Every Loss

Slowly, he reached up and touched the solitary tear. His heart died at the sight of the devastation that he once called his home. They were all gone now, his mother, sister, father.

Slowly, he walked amidst the carnage. His home. The elleth, each embracing the other in the agony of death. His eyes traveled to the field beyond, and his father's prone form.

With each resolute step, he knew. No more would he follow the call of the stone.

Silently, he reached forward and grasped the hilt of his father's sword.

He would follow the song of the blade.