"We requested that a military physician stationed at the nearby outpost examine the child before departure."
Kade waited.
The captain drew a slow breath before continuing.
"The physician believes he's been suffering from prolonged malnutrition."
"His pulse is weak."
"His body temperature is below normal."
"He's severely dehydrated."
"There are untreated injuries across his back and shoulders, and several older fractures that appear to have healed without proper medical care."
Each sentence seemed heavier than the last.
"The physician also believes his immune system has become dangerously compromised."
Another silence followed.
When the captain finally spoke again, his voice had dropped almost to a whisper.
"...Had we arrived much later..."
He paused.
"...the child might not have survived."
The council chamber became so quiet that the ticking of the antique clock upon the far wall suddenly seemed deafening.
No one moved.
No one dared speak.
