"Women don't belong on the battlefield," he replied softly. "It's bad enough when grown men fight and kill one another, sometimes they are honor-bound to do so, but allowing women to sacrifice themselves as well?" he gave his head a firm shake, scowling at the fire. "It is not a matter of strength. It is a matter of propriety, and if I'd been half the man..." he cut himself off with a huff, tucking his chin against his knees.