Tavin sat on his heels for a long time, utterly exhausted. The contrast after a fight ended was so much sharper than when he still had Hanari’s grace. Had all of them been going through this every time? Valina, Chalea, and even Baelon and his followers? Tavin found himself in awe at just how strong Bloodsold had to be to weather this feeling every time.

He turned his head slowly and examined his surroundings. Smoke still lingered heavily in the air, but the fires had gone out when ...