It does sting, but Ellis doesn't flinch at it. His fingers are loose in her grip, pliable in spite of the rising thud of his heartbeat. He can feel a prickle of sweat at the nape of his neck.

The answer twitches a smile that fades as Ellis continues.

"When Ostagar fell, there was nothing to protect us, you see. I don't know if they write about that. All the villages and towns left undefended."

It would be easier if Wysteria had read a different book.

"We lived in a small town. Barely more than a village, I think. No walls, not that walls would have made a difference," Ellis says slowly. "When the hoard reached us, there was nothing—nothing could be done. You understand what that means, aye?"