What a challenge it would be. She may defend herself but she may not attack unprovoked.
More importantly, she'd somehow have to tailor her actions and reactions to fit the three-part objective Prick had just revealed: Strong of Body, Steady of Spirit, and Stout of Heart.
He was right—the names were damned cheesy—but there was no ambiguity in them. At least, not any that she could see. They COULD be summed up in one word, after all. Prick was right about that too.
Whatever hardships may come her way, whether physical, psychological, emotional, or all three at once, she must somehow face them head-on and come out on the other side better and stronger for the experience, in all three respects.
Now… what did all that mean relative to Hilde's current situation?
As she neared the dais on
