Sorry, week's been more hectic than usual, so this is a bit rushed, but here it is anyway so you know I am still reading and cheering. Feel free to ask me for clarification and I'll get back to it... someday.
Thoughts While Reading:
You say 'leaderless' twice. I'd say once was enough.
Your in Aermyst's pov, so does Aearmyst know Marlin's name? He could have learned it, but honestly I don't remember his first introduction very well....
I wouldn't say 'ashamed' since you already described the action- 'he looked away.'
The creepy guy's an angel! And Aermyst doesn't seem to care all that much.... Might want to go deeper with that....
Again, I would have liked a bigger bond set between Marlin and Aermyst especially if Tristan's going to use him as a guilt trip now, but character interaction was very good at the end of section.... Even Tristan's
I know you tell us it is five days earlier, but this is a little disorientating since we were left to think that Ilis was long gone; traveling and whatnot.
So Zeal's here? That brings back the time disorientated feel thing to me. Was he here before or after the attack? Sorry, someday you are going to have to deal with the illiterate masses, so might as well start now, right?
'"Never," she hissed.' I'd like to see you try to hiss a word w/o an 's'....
"The boy seemed to have a desperate need to be useful." I'd rather you drop the 'seemed to' and just let Aermyst make the judgment; it is his POV, right?
Another good character scene for Aermyst. But you never mentioned Tristan again. Did he fly away or just walk like an normal person?
Overall Impression:
These were better scenes in the character department, so lots of points from me. I may be on the fence with you on the desert scene. I hate fluff so if there is nothing more to say, there is nothing more to say, but if you think of anything good, the scene is short enough that you probably could get away with it. Good Luck!