As we approached, my breath caught in my throat. The gravity of loss bore down upon me, pressing tears from my eyes. They trailed down my cheeks, unbidden but honest in their grief. I knelt before the first grave, the damp grass cool beneath my trembling hands.

"Your sacrifice will not be forgotten," I vowed to the silent mounds. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying away my words as if to assure me they would be heard by those they were meant for.

Elara placed a comforting hand on my ...