Robert did not answer immediately. He remained seated across from his father, hands resting loosely on his knees, gaze lowered—not in hesitation, but in thought. John Osborn waited without impatience. He had asked for a view and an idea to improve the clan's strength.
When we talk about growing stronger, Robert said at last, we usually mean breaking through realms. John nodded once. That has always been the measure. It is the most visible one, Robert agreed. But it is also the most misleading.
John's eyes sharpened slightly. He did not interrupt. The ambush showed us that clearly, Robert continued. Our elders were not weak. But strength alone did not hold the formation. Injuries stacked. Supplies were targeted. Coordination broke under pressure between elders.
