I keep my blades like a drum—tight and steady. Every morning before the first hunt I run a quick test: a quick flick on the edge, a whisper of wind against the steel, see if it sings. If it rattles, I grind it on a stone until it glows, then polish it with river sand. The night before a battle I let it cool in a fire pit, let the heat settle, and check the balance. If it feels off, I sharpen a bit more. I also keep a small pouch of herbs—lavender and cedar— to keep the metal from rusting. That way when the front lines open, my gear is ready and true.

Thanks, I’ll keep the herbs ready. When the first shot drops, the edge will sing and the land will hear our honor. Let the battle begin.