“Being a stupid messenger girl,” she said. “Zabra, can you look me in the eyes and tell me you want to be the weak link in a shield wall?” She hesitated, then reached up and took the proffered knife from him. “Good,” he said. “First step to being a soldier: take responsibility for your part and what it can cost others if you don’t do a good job. Report to May Aladar. Say you’re a new messenger—and I will check to see you report correctly, Zabra. I’m dumb, but I’m not a fool.” “Yes, sir,” she grumbled.
