[ RF ] `` No , I 'm sorry . I 'm done . I ca n't , not anymore . ''

He halted mid-stride and turned around, his eyes not unkind as they looked down on her. 
 
 He had n't shaven in days, his graying beard coming in thick. They had n't washed in nearly as long; hard miles and hard pursuit having driven them exhaustedly forwards. His green cloak was fraying at the hem, its thick wool splattered with dried mud. A worn rifle was slung over a shoulder, well maintained but hard used. 
 
 `` You have to,'' he said. `` You must.'' 
 
 Faith shook her head, strands of auburn hair clinging to her sweat covered brow. She knelt in the forest path, sinking down amid the dried pine needles. She'd thrown off her heavy pack, its weight digging into tired shoulders. 
 
 `` I ca n't. I just *ca n't. *'' 
 
 Hilary Flint dropped in a crouch, and brought himself to eye level with her. 
 
 `` I know how you feel. Like you've expended every ounce of strength, and courage, and will... and it's all been for nought. We're starving, exhausted, and they're almost at our throats. Most likely they'll catch us before dark, and I'm only one man. The odds are against us. 
 
 `` You're gon na rise up, and you're gon na put foot in front of the other and you're gon na keep that up until we either die or we reach safety.'' 
 
 Faith shot him a look. `` You said it yourself, they'll overtake us tonight. They'll kill us. Why bother prolonging the inevitable?'' 
 
 Flint spat and drew from his belt his bayonet. He held it before her, allowing Faith to run her eyes across the tired, sweat stained hilt and nicked blade. 
 
 `` Death is always inevitable. How you meet is another story. Some may die old and infirm, huddled afraid in their homes. Others die by their own hands, afraid of what their enemies will do should they live. That is not my way. When my times comes, it will be spitting curses at the foe, and taking their lives with mine. 
 
 `` You going to rise and find the strength to follow me, because I decide when you die. And it will not be today.''
