---
Kai stepped back under the stone, into the dim cool of his mountain, already planning how far he could walk before his ribs decided they were done cooperating.
He did not get far before his body reminded him that planning and doing were different hobbies.
By the time he reached the inner bend, the adrenaline that had held him up on the ramp had worn thin. Each breath felt like it had to negotiate with three different fractures. The bandages Luna had wrapped him in tugged when he moved, reminding him how much of him had very recently tried to retire.
Miryam was waiting just off the main passage, leaning against the wall with her arms folded, coat still crooked on her shoulders. Her golden eyes searched his face in one long, unblinking sweep.
"You are going out again," she said. It was not quite a question.
"Just to the trees," Kai said. "Not to fight another general. I promise I am limiting myself to one per day."
