Part 795: Kjelle A

Care to explain your performance in the last battle, Yarne?

Er... Hi, Kjelle.

The minute I showed up to help, you ran off! Thanks a lot for the teamwork. ...Craven.

It's not that I was scared! But my arm...

What, the old runner's arm acting up? Did you hit your craven bone?

...Look, all's well that ends well, right? We won, and that's all that matters.

No, "we" didn't. Me and the others who stuck around to fight won. Honestly, I expected more from you. ...But no. You're hopeless.

.....

What, nothing to say? No glib excuse? And why are you clutching your shoulder like that?

What? No, I'm not...

It's obvoiusly not a battle wound. Did you trip while you were fleeing? Maybe you ran into something because your eyes were filled with tears?

No, that's not... After I left the other day, I went back and put your armor back on. After everything you said, I just couldn't back down. ...Even I have some pride. I got to about fifty push-ups before my arm gave out completely.

...Is that why you ran? You were fighting with an injured arm until I got there?

I would have stayed, but I was afraid I'd only be in your way like this. Better to drop back to the rear and let you handle it, I figured...

You should have said something!

No, it was my own damn fault.

Classic Yarne, though. Huh? I finally decide to train to get stronger, and I wind up injured and even more useless.

Do you think maybe for our next session you could teach me how not to repeat this?

What?

Like you say, you're an expert. I bet you know how to avoid sprains and injuries. If I'm ever going to get stronger and gain a little confidence, I'll need your help.

...If you're committed, and I mean really committed, then I'll be happy to help. We'll start as soon as that arm is better, so gird your loins!

R-right! I'll... get right on that.