Miles is lucky that the General doesn't laugh outright. "I'll grant you've been useful on reconnaissance," he says, which is probably the highest compliment Miles will hear all month. "But you hardly look suited to carrying a sword, let alone swing one around."

He lets out a snort. But he's not done yet, apparently. "Neither I nor my officers have time to babysit a cripple on the battlefield. If you're so desperate to hold a weapon, talk to Captain Vorinnis. He'll put you on the guard shift."

Maybe that, at least, will shut him up -- or keep him occupied, anyway.