![\"\"](\"https:\/\/readmore.cx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BUTTONI-USA-2-e1742767963719-1536x885-1-300x173.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
the old veteran in the mud,
the boys retreating in sudden fear,
the cane lying far from reach.<\/p>\n
Raymond, still on his hands and knees, blinked through the grime. When he saw who was approaching, confusion wrinkled his brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarcus?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n
General Alden moved faster than anyone had expected from a man of his rank. He strode directly to Raymond\u2019s side, boots splashing through the mud as if it were dry pavement.<\/p>\n
\u201cRay,\u201d he said, voice dropping to something gentler than any soldier there had ever heard from him. \u201cDon\u2019t move. I\u2019ve got you.\u201d<\/p>\n
He knelt \u2014 the four-star general, the man who\u2019d commanded thousands \u2014 kneeling in the mud without hesitation. His hands gripped Raymond\u2019s shoulders with a steadiness that spoke of long friendship and long battles.<\/p>\n
The teenagers stared, pale and frozen.<\/p>\n
One of the uniformed escorts barked at them.
\u201cStep back. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The boys stumbled away so fast they nearly slipped.<\/p>\n
Alden turned his head slightly, his voice cold as winter steel.
\u201cDetain them. I want their guardian information immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t have to say more. The escorts moved with efficient precision, herding the trembling teens toward the SUVs.<\/p>\n
Raymond tried to speak.
\u201cMarcus\u2026 you didn\u2019t have to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRay,\u201d Alden said firmly, \u201cyou saved my life twice. The least I can do is keep you from being pushed into the mud by children.\u201d<\/p>\n
He helped the old veteran to his feet slowly, supporting most of the weight. Another escort retrieved the cane and wiped the mud from its grip before handing it over respectfully.<\/p>\n
Raymond steadied himself, breath shaking.
\u201cYou really came all the way out here?\u201d<\/p>\n