It happened so fast.

The Niafer warrior with whom I'd sought to fight was gone and in his place was yet *another* in their colors whose name I did not know.
No matter, they are all Niafer.
As iron and wood clashed between this new foe and myself, the world suddenly became nothing more than white-hot, agonizing pain as I watched my brother fall. I heard screams. Saw a shape, blurred and racing for the one who stood ever him...Then a cry from some bird-like creature I have never known, followed by the sobbing of a tortured heart.

"Nyfain!"

The voice startled me as it rose to be heard above the wailing.

"NYFAIN MOVE!"

Bronwyn shoved me roughly to the side as the Niafer's blade fell, barely missing my left shoulder. I acknowledged his near blow with no more than a scathing look as both Bronwyn and I turned and ran toward Eoghain.
We reached him as Cearas made him ready to be moved and Cathal began to speak. Casting a thankful look at Bronwyn then, I listened to Cathal's words, remembering the countless times my brother had told me to heed them as his own...

With a whistle, my mare was again beside me as I forced myself to seperate from Eoghain and Cearas and encourage the cattle to gather and go forward.
Cathal's bloodstained hand rested heavily on my shoulder for a moment, and though he said not a word, I knew that my cousin meant the gesture to comfort me.
And for a moment, he succeded.