The inevitability of Brian’s death doesn’t make it any easier to watch him go. He was so young and strong…yesterday. Now he is among the many dead for us to bury. Cathal puts his warm hands on Katlyne and my shoulders and murmurs “May the gods help us all this day!" before turning for the door and leaving.

I exchange glances with Kate and nod in agreement with Cathal’s statement. “We’ll need all the help we can get to see us through today. Thank you for your offer of help Kate. How many seriously wounded fighters are still on the battlefield?”

“Many, too many,” she replies.

“Then grab as many bandages as you can. I will see to other supplies and medicines and we’ll do what we can for the men on the field. We’ve done all we can do here for the moment.”