Page 129 of Flameborne: Chosen

As one, my brothers saluted as Donavyn came to a stop next to Ronen, shaking his hand.

“Sir!”

I was half-a-breath too slow, but I finally made it to proper attention and into a salute, just as the others were dropping theirs.

Donavyn turned to the rest of us and nodded once to accept the salutes. “At ease. This isn’t a formal meeting.”

There was a murmur of welcomes and good wishes as Donavyn looked around the room and each of my brothers relaxed and sank back into their seats. But I was frozen—until Donavyn caught my eyes for a split second before he moved on and suddenly my cheeks were aflame. I averted my gaze as I climbed back onto the high stool, then dropped my chin, let my hair hide my face, and sank slowly into my own mortification.

As Donavyn began, I begged God to let the floor open under my stool and swallow me whole.

But he was the General and even though he’d told us to be at ease, all my brothers faced him and listened and I had to do the same.

He met eyes with each of us at different times. The first time he looked at me I thought my hair would catch fire. But the second time, there was aflash—heat and tension.Anger?I didn’t know, but my churning stomach sank to my toes as he moved on to Jhoare in the row next to me, his expression unchanged.

“…I know you’re a good, solid squad. A group of men—and woman—that Ronen can be proud of. It’s part of why we allowed Bren to settle with you, because we knew you’d treat her with the respect she deserved, and not shirk your duties. You are a squad I point to as an example. I want to acknowledge that. Don’t be disheartened. I know this new Flameborne training has been challenging, but you’ve risen to that challenge. So, in many ways, I can only commend you. However, today I find myself disappointed,” he said quietly.

I blinked and Donavyn glanced at me, then away, showing nothing on his face.

My heart raced. What was he doing? Would hetell them?!

I opened my mouth to apologize and beg him not to go any further, but he spoke before I could.

“Last night—”

Oh God, he was going to—

“—one of your number was alone and in danger, and this squad remained ignorant that she was even away from the Reach, let alone in need of help.”

The room went still, tension zinging in the air. I felt eyes on the back of my neck and stared right at him, begging,pleadingsilently that he wouldn’t—

“I understand that Flameborne Kearney’s path is unchartered territory and we’re all learning. But one thing Iknowyou know as a group is the importance of solidarity. Between you, you have proven that for years. Yet, last night, one of your own was drunk, harmed—though not seriously—and needed assistance. While you remained unaware.”

A low shuffling sound was accompanied by the rumble of male disapproval and the heat of gazes pinning me from behind.

Voski turned in his seat again to glance at me over his shoulder, his face expressionless, but his gaze penetrating.

I tried to sink lower in my seat.

Donavyn lifted his chin and clasped his hands behind his back. “It appears that our solution in putting Bren with Kgosi, not in the barracks, has solved one problem but created another. Last night I learned she has been left mostly to her own devices when not training. Now, I don’t expect you all to watch over her every second—she isn’t a child.”Did I imagine that his voice grew rougher on those words?“However, I do expect that you extend her the same protection and awareness you extend each other.

“Last night, I spoke with Flameborne Kearney aboutherresponsibility to keepyouinformed and aware of her movements and choices. I believe she heard me and will make certain you have an opportunity to assist her in future if she should need it—and visa versa. But that still leaves us with a squad member living in isolation. And notpurely because of the location of her room. Though it is harder to function with one of your number living outside the barracks, that is not an excuse to shirk duties only squad brothers can fulfill. So, her location means thatyoumust find newways of working as one.”

I wanted to shake my head. To beg him to stop. And for a moment I thought he’d heard my prayers because he paused then, his tone and expression very serious. But I watched him pin my brothers with a gaze, one after the other. Then he took a breath.

“This squad is under discipline until the end of the week. You will each receive a mark on your record that will be expunged one year from today, assuming there are no further issues. And this week you’ll spend your Sevenday morning in the scatpits assisting the Forgewrights.”

My mouth dropped open as a groan rose in the room, then seven pairs of eyes turned dark looks on me.

36. Give You my Word

~ BREN ~

I dropped my face into my hands. Why was he doing this? Was he so angry, he wanted me punished by my brothers also?

“Are there any questions?” Donavyn asked gruffly.

“No, Sir!” my brothers answered as one. But I could feel their gazes on my back and sides. They would have questions—