Dreth's rider disappeared south while Hajin sent the provisional rank wagon toward town behind Elise plus Sable's bodies.
Hans remained with the eastern-post runners, leaving Orin to follow their route before the vanguard's three days expired.
Hajin walked beside Juna through the damaged field road, checking every ditch Mara had marked during her inspection.
The clinic had all six wounded militia inside by the time they reached town, with Vella directing treatment through her burned arm.
Marrick waited outside the registry carrying the defense ledger plus a manor key nobody had used since Hajin arrived.
"The office cannot hold another command meeting," he said, indicating the chair split by the cellar lash, "and every witness page now needs guarded space."
"Use the manor hall," Hajin replied, taking the key while Ash watched from Lana's arms upstairs, "the building has stood empty since we arrived."
