I think the best shield is one that holds fast for the weak but still lets the light of mercy shine through; a knight must stand firm for justice yet pause to listen when the heart begs for gentleness. Balance comes from knowing when to swing the sword and when to offer a hand. If we cling too tightly to our code, we may smite the innocent, but if we bend too much, we lose the courage to defend the helpless. It is a hard line, but a true knight walks it with both honor and empathy.