[Barracks Courtyard - Dawn]
The courtyard was cold and gray when Kael arrived.
The squad stood in formation near the stables. Kogan, Griggs, Jarek, Bren—and Silas.
Silas leaned against a post, arms crossed. A fresh bandage wrapped around his torso, visible beneath his open jerkin. His face was pale, his movements stiff.
Kael walked toward them, his gaze settling on Silas.
"You're supposed to be in the infirmary."
Silas grinned weakly. "Healer cleared me. Said I'm fine as long as I take it easy."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "And you plan to take it easy on a reconnaissance mission?"
Before Silas could answer, footsteps approached from behind.
A man stepped forward—tall, lean, dressed in the dark leather of a scout. His face was weathered, his eyes sharp. A bow hung across his back, a quiver at his hip.
He stopped a few paces from Kael and gave a short nod.
"Captain. I'm Erran. Captain Valen assigned me to your squad for this mission."
