Aamon's gaze moved over the four men. Slowly, without any rush, he reached for the hilt at his waist.
The sound of steel sliding free from the scabbard cut sharply through the silence.
All four knights dropped to their knees immediately.
"Captain Aamon!"
"Please!"
"We didn't mean—"
Aamon didn't even glance at them.
His sword rested loosely at his side as his attention shifted past them.
To Silas.
Silas froze under that look.
"You," Aamon said.
Silas stiffened.
"Yes, Captain."
Aamon lifted the tip of his sword slightly, gesturing toward the four kneeling nobles.
"Stop being a coward."
Silas blinked.
Aamon's voice remained calm.
"You heard everything they said."
Silas swallowed.
"Yes, Captain."
"And you're stronger than them."
Silas hesitated.
Aamon tilted his head slightly.
"I know you are. I know the knight who trained you."
Silas glanced toward Ezra.
For a brief moment their eyes met.
Ezra didn't speak.
He simply watched.
'You can do it.'
