"I find honesty refreshing. Power is what guilds seek. Power is what we offer."
"And what power do you bring to Caldera that we don't already possess in abundance?"
Sauron's challenge filled the chamber.
Here it comes.
Before Arthur could respond, Minister Caldwell cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should follow protocol. The formal presentation, then questions from the established guilds."
"Protocol exists for a reason," Arch-Healer Thornwyck agreed, stroking his silver beard. "Let us hear the young man out."
Sauron waved a dismissive hand. "By all means. Let's hear what warrants disrupting centuries of balanced governance."
All eyes turned to Arthur. The air thickened with anticipation and thinly veiled hostility.
They expect me to be intimidated. To stumble under the weight of their combined scrutiny.
Arthur rose from his seat, the movement unhurried yet commanding. He'd rehearsed this moment countless times, mapped every potential reaction, prepared for every contingency.
