Shadows She stood silently in the doorway as her stomach tied in knots. She had tried so hard to keep her supper down but her efforts were futile. She closed her eyes and fought back tears as he stirred and his arms reached to her side of the bed, searching for her warmth. She had no more warmth to give. Her eyes scanned the dark room and they stopped on the table full of superbly polished armor. The metallic smell permeating the room. She walked silently in and placed her hand on the battle axe that was almost always at his side. This weapon had been passed through his family for generations. It was the most valuable thing he owned and it was his favorite possession, even if she was added into the competition. She prayed to the goddess of war to bring him back alive like she did last time. She reached out to the spirit in the axe and the spirit answered her by soothing her worry. It would do its best. She had given him sons and daughters and she knew he felt he had to protect them but he didn't know the cost. She felt the cold reality settling into her bones. She felt death whispering to her.