It was a fire bed of hope. The pride of the soldiers receiving their awards was one thing, but it seemed to be far more important an occasion for those aiming upwards, who had not received their due recognition yet.
And then the list finally circled around, and the names of Patrick men began to be called, one after the other.
"Commander Yorick," General Blackwell said. "My list tells me that you've slain at least five Violet Commandants that we've been able to confirm. A most impressive feat, Ser. You are to be awarded the sum of ten months' extra pay."
Sheepishly, Yorick walked up to collect his reward. For the first half of his march upon, he'd kept his head dipped, and made his way past the crowds of men. But then he must have heard them cooing, and their whispered excitement. Five Commandants was tied top with the most that they'd heard announced so far. They were all studying him, and wondering what was so special about him, what made him a hero like the rest.
