The yard fell into stunned silence. Some men straightened, surprised by his tone, while others exchanged uneasy glances.
Kairo cleared his throat, forcing his voice into calm, commanding edge. "If we go back now the village will be destroyed. We don't have time to run for help. We stop them now."
"But…" one of the soldiers began, hesitation making his words small.
"If you won't fight, then leave," Kairo barked. "Go back and tell them the rest of us are defending these people. I'll see the job through myself if I must."
He spoke like a man daring fate, but inside his gut curled tight. He could feel the stare of others, the weight of proving himself. Still, pride and panic tangled together in his chest, and he pushed forward on that razor edge.
A few of the bolder men squared their shoulders and nodded. Others, unwilling or scared, melted away toward the road to report what they could.
