Stronger

I can recall the moment with absolute clarity as if it happened yesterday. The contrasting scents of summer and death hung heavy in the air. After a brutal battle, August, my kinsman and brother-in-arms knelt over the fallen corpse of his adversary. Soft whispers fell from his lips, accompanying the almost serene expression playing upon his features. He was praying, speaking words of veneration over the bloody remains of a villain.

"What are you doing?" I dared to ask, momentarily breaking August's concentration. To this day, I have never forgotten his response.

"Our enemies...." The reply began, his tone of voice showing none of the bloodlust present only moments prior. "....are sacred. For it is they who make us stronger."