There lying almost motionless was Maximin, who panted heavily with his back on the floor. He was spent off energy and couldn’t keep on going. Not knowing when she had raced to his side, she found herself sobbing by him while she gazed at the edges of his cut. The bleeding was no longer present but the wound didn’t look any better. It was worse.

“ Your wound is infected. I don’t know what else to do.” She sobbed in helplessness as he reached for his hands.

“ Maximin was silent as he panted. The rays of the morning sun had found their ways onto his pupil but he was...