Treat, Tread

“It’s a good thing you kept your hair short like a boy,” Angel said.

“They all know I’m a girl,” Ella said. She glanced out over the ranks and ranks of men standing in neat formation. Then she considered their spears, wondered at ways to improve accuracy, distance, durability.

“Shame works wonders,” Angel said. “A man’s ego is a fragile thing. Treat it carefully.”

“You mean tread carefully,” Ella said.

Angel glared. “Or don’t tread at all.”

“They won’t learn if they’re proud,” Ella said.

“You speak from experience?”

“You forget General Shanka?”

“Never, my lady.” Angel said, louder, “Attention!”