Kestrel watches Banaq go and, unaware that he will eventually return, shakes her head.
Had she been too hard on him? But then again, was that the measure of his resolve and commitment? If a few strong words would turn him from his course, what of flaming swords and demonic claws?
Maybe it was better this way. They were weaker without him, but at least now that weakness could be assessed before battle, and planned for...instead of suddenly revealing itself when the need was greatest.
It felt wrong though. He was a comrade. If she let him go, wasn't that abandoning him? But then, wasn't he abandoning them?
Ugh.
This was why she liked working alone.
Thorn went back to the command tent to listen to the planning, and see what she might do to help. In truth, she had little hand in the grand strategy...the movement of armies and men. Her role was smaller, quieter, and more targeted. And she was happy to leave it so.