"Cerberus, ensure no one else approaches this room."
"Yes, sir."
"Just out of curiosity, how did you see through our disguises?" The Caesar turned to the old man, a look of interest on his face.
"It is in your eyes, your movements, and the behaviour of your two companions," the old man lifted his head to reply. "You claim to be a humble merchant from Serres, yet your gaze falls upon the city's inhabitants as though you are above them, as though you are a victor showing mercy to the vanquished. I have only seen such a look in the eyes of deceased Sultans. As for your guard and scribe, they are clearly no ordinary men. They are perpetually vigilant, overlooking the crowds and ensuring there is always a gap between you and the populace. Their eyes, sharp as an eagle's, constantly scan for potential threats. They are not ordinary men, and you, with their protection, are obviously not an ordinary man either."
