The soldiers listened, stunned.
Some clutched their weapons without raising them. Others simply stood in place, pale and wide-eyed.
"I did not come here to conquer. I do not wish to rule. But I will not stand by while your own leaders trade lives in secret rituals to gain power from darkness."
He turned slightly, raising a hand toward the scorched remains of the altar and the shattered symbols beneath it.
"That man, Elder Harran, was willing to sacrifice you. Willing to betray your people. Willing to invite destruction to your empire, all for power he did not deserve."
Ethan's voice dropped lower, but it gained strength.
"I want you to remember this day. I want you to carry this truth with you."
He looked each of them in the eye.
"Tell your generals. Tell your cities. Tell every soldier and noble and commoner in the Kannan Empire that one of their own, trusted, honored, powerful, sold you out."
He pointed to the ground.
