One of the younger guards cleared his throat. "With respect, sir… it was you who cut down their leader. We only held the line."
"You did hold the line," Xavier said firmly, voice cutting through the murmurs. "And that is what matters. Fancy strikes and heroics mean nothing if there's no one standing shoulder to shoulder to stop the enemy from pouring through." He glanced around the yard, meeting the eyes of as many men as he could. "Never forget that."
Renald's lips twitched into the faintest smile. "You speak like a commander, not a guard."
"Old habits," Xavier replied lightly. "Besides, after what I saw, I couldn't keep quiet."
The men relaxed at that, shoulders straightening with pride. But Xavier wasn't finished. He turned back to Renald, a spark of challenge in his eyes.
"You've trained them well. But I saw a few holes in the way they handle assassins."
Renald's brow lifted. "Oh? And what do you suggest?"
