As hard as it was to deliver the news, it was harder still to see Asbel receive it. When the orders had appeared on his desk, he'd had to look at it twice before saying that he and Asbel would take care of it.

"I only heard that the lord's house has been overrun by the civilians and they're refusing to discuss terms with anyone. It's by sheer luck that I was allowed to even bring you along. The king requested a full squadron to go out and take them down."

He put a heavy hand on his student's shoulder to steady him.

"I need to know now that you're prepared for the worse and can handle yourself accordingly despite any tragedy that might have occurred." He let his voice toughen a bit. "Otherwise, I'll go get some knights that have already done so to take care of the situation and recommend another situation for your final test."