The rear registry opened at sunrise beneath timber braces covering the wall Dreth's final road anchor had broken. Sawdust still hung in the air from the night crews who had raised them.
Marrick moved the witness desk under the surviving awning, where surrendered Flint officers, Sixth families, plus wounded soldiers could hear the same record. Nobody sat, because every side had dead still being counted.
Four blank tally boards stood behind him while runners carried field rolls from the eastern road and hospital pages from Vella's treatment yard.
Hajin stopped beside the awning with fresh bandages crossing his chest and right shoulder, while every Ring remained closed beneath his sleeve.
Juna took the spot at his right before the first board was read, and her Wing stayed folded for once.
Vella watched him from the clinic gate with Mara beside the treatment line.
