The captain of the army stationed at the Holy Temple crossed his arms, his gaze steady and unimpressed as he looked at Edward. "And why, exactly, should we follow you?"
He didn't bother hiding the mockery in his voice. Why exactly would he follow a child? So what if this boy was someone held in high regard by the Head Priest?
He met the captain's gaze with calm eyes, his confidence unwavering. Edward knew exactly what he was doing. He had anticipated the captain's scepticism and was prepared for this moment.
"Think carefully about the plague that's spreading in the capital," Edward said, his voice soft but laced with venom. "Surely, you've heard of it by now." It was a threat, straightforward and direct.
The captain raised an eyebrow, and Edward could see the flicker of unease in his eyes. Everyone in the capital knew about the illness creeping through the city.