"Blackthorn," Verdant said, his voice like a whip, stirring the woman.
She looked at him blankly. "It is time to fight," he said.
"I cannot," she replied, shaking her head, not moving from her knees.
"My Lord requires you," Verdant said.
"I cannot."
"Do you believe your suffering to be greater than his?" Verdant said harshly. "None suffers now more than my Lord. If there is any heart in you, find yourself to your feet, and trust in him."
"Verdant… this is…"
"It's hell," Verdant finished for her. There were tears still running down his cheeks as he gave her the orders.
"What's the point in living through this?" Blackthorn asked desperately. "I cannot bear it. I will not ever be able to forget it."
"The point?" Verdant laughed. "I know not. But my Lord does – my Lord will find a way."
