Page 8 of Savage Devotion
Why is a Vaelmark officer carrying an Ironspine memorial ribbon?
The sight dredges up memories I've worked to suppress. We distributed blue silk ribbons during the mass funeral rites after the Blazing, when we burned empty pyres for warriors whose bodies were not recovered from the ruins.
Including my brother.
I received Kaven's ribbon three months ago, along with forty-three others representing the fallen defenders of Ember Hollow. Each one blessed by the clan shamans and consecrated with the names of the dead. Sacred items that should never leave Ironspine hands.
Unless she took it from someone.
The possibility sends cold fury through my system, cutting through the exhaustion and blood loss like a blade through silk. If this Vaelmark commander killed one of my people and kept their memorial ribbon as a trophy...
But even as rage builds, tactical thinking reasserts itself. She could have acquired the ribbon through trade, theft, or inheritance. She might not even know its significance. Acting on assumptions without evidence would be tactically unsound and potentially disastrous.
Later. When I'm stronger and have backup.
I make a mental note of her appearance, her unit composition, and the direction they came from. Intelligence that might prove useful when I'm in a position to pursue questions about stolen memorial items.
"Ready to move, sir?" Thane appears beside me, offering his shoulder for support.
"Ready."
Standing takes more effort than I'd like to admit, but the fresh bandages hold and my leg bears weight without buckling. Anders did good work under field conditions.
The Vaelmark commander watches our preparation with professional interest, noting our withdrawal formation and movement capabilities. Still gathering intelligence, even during what amounts to a humanitarian pause.
"Safe travels," she calls as we move toward the square's eastern exit. "Try to avoid any more wolf packs."
I raise my hand in acknowledgment, but don't trust myself to speak. The sight of that blue ribbon has stirred emotions I can't afford to display in front of potential enemies.
Focus on the mission. Get the patrol home safely. Deal with personal concerns later.
But as we pick our way through the rubble-strewn streets of Ember Hollow, my hand moves unconsciously to my belt pouch. Where I keep my blue ribbon, the one that bears Kaven's name in silver thread.
Still there. Still safe.
The relief that follows surprises me with its intensity. I've carried that ribbon through every patrol since the funeral rites, a tangible connection to my brother's memory and a reminder of my failure to protect him.
Maybe that's why seeing another one affected me so strongly.
Or maybe there's more to this Vaelmark commander than standard military intelligence operations. Either way, I'll need to investigate further once I'm mobile again.
For now, though, the priority is reaching friendly territory before my strength gives out completely. The stitches hold, but blood loss has left me weaker than I care to admit. Each step requires conscious effort, and I'm grateful for Thane's steady support.
Behind us, the Vaelmark force mounts up and disappears into the ruins with the same professional efficiency they showed during the engagement. No wasted motion, no unnecessary conversation. Military precision from soldiers who clearly know their business.
What are they really hunting in these ruins?
The question follows me through the ash-covered streets as we make our way home, along with the image of that blue silk ribbon hidden beneath armor plate. Evidence of connections I don't understand yet, but definitely intend to explore.
When I'm strong enough to do something about it.
2
RESSA
The silence Kaelgor leaves behind has teeth.
I pack my medical supplies with mechanical precision, each bandage rolled tight, each vial secured in its leather slot. The routine keeps my hands busy while my mind circles like a vulture over questions I don't want to answer.
