"I am not abandoning you." He retorts, steel flashing in his tone for a moment. He huffs out a breath, and rubs the back of his neck with his hands.

"I failed you. Do you understand? A student should never fear for her life from her teacher." His voice drops, ground gravel rattling with every word. "Besides, most likely I won't be allowed to spar until the wind changes - that will be months. You shouldn't be idle for that long, muscle memory will fade."