"Men, I'm sure you already know why I gathered you here today, despite it being your resting period."
Helios's voice carried cleanly across the training grounds as he paced in front of the assembled knights.
Thirty men stood in rigid lines, backs straight, hands clasped behind them, eyes forward.
Ezra stood just behind Helios, mirroring the posture out of habit. His expression was unreadable, gaze sharp as he scanned the unfamiliar faces.
'I've seen a few of them yesterday,' he thought.
But names? No. He didn't know any of their names.
Ezra did recognize their stances. Habits.
He shifted his focus back to Helios.
"The time has come," Helios continued, stopping at the center, "and I'm sure most of you already know why you're here. You were with me yesterday, after all. And even if you weren't, his name is well known across the kingdom."
Helios turned and gestured toward Ezra.
"Ezra Belloren."
