Erik straightened and nodded respectfully at Sergeant Markham as the man approached. He prayed he had fooled the officer with his performance.
"You fought well out there, Fink," Markham said. "When did you learn to fight like that?"
Erik shrugged. "I was just mad, sergeant. When those beasts came charging at the gate, I wasn't thinking much."
Sergeant Markham eyed him. "Perhaps. But your strikes seemed practiced and efficient. I know rage when I see it, and that wasn't it."
Erik hesitated, but in the end, he doubled down on his previous statement. "I don't know, sir, but I was certainly enraged. I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing."
Sergeant Markham watched him a moment longer, then nodded, satisfied.
"Well, you held your own. That's all that matters."
He clasped Erik's shoulder. "You might get a promotion if you keep this up, Fink."
Erik nodded, giving a small smile. "Thank you, Sergeant."
