Mazal's blog

She ran her fingers over the lid of dented metal box that the novice had placed on the table before her. Its surface was scarred and battered, streaked with soot and dust - but the name etched on the top was still visible.

Mazal the Valiant, Forward Commander, Shattari Guard.

Somehow, despite all the shadows and cobwebs in her mind, she could still remember the day that box had been handed to her, the way General Ovik's large hands had gripped the box and the sad smile in his eyes.

"We'll miss you, Mazal. I'll miss you. Are you certain that you are doing the right thing?"