That was not an exaggeration, that was an outright fabrication. - Glen Cook

I began to back away.
This is how I handle my women. Duck for cover when they get distressed.

It doesn't make much sense, does it?" my darling whispered to me. "People go at the oddest times and from the oddest causes."
"Soldiers live," I muttered.
"You're turning that into a mantra."
"You feel guilty. You wonder why him and not me, then you're glad it was him and not you, then you feel guilty. Soldiers live. And wonder why.

The light overcame the shadow. But as always, the shadow left its taint on the victors.