The man smiled thinly. "A Builder is a rare gift. Our settlement is larger, stronger, but we lack… this." He gestured at the bricks. "Come with us. Share your craft. In return, we offer protection, food, and a place of honor."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Protection. Food. A place of honor. For villagers who had known only hunger and fear, the offer was tempting.
Adrian narrowed his eyes. He doesn't want me as an ally. He wants me under his thumb.
Before he could answer, Elara stepped forward, child clinging to her side. Her voice rang out, clear and sharp: "The Builder belongs here. He saved us. Without him, we'd all be ash under the raiders' fire."
Lukas chimed in, clutching his sketchbook to his chest. "He's my teacher! You can't take him away!"
Even Torren the blacksmith crossed his arms, glaring at the outsiders. "Our forge, our fire, our Builder. Not yours."
The armored man's smile faded. His gaze swept over the villagers, then settled on Adrian once more. "Then understand this—knowledge spreads, whether you wish it or not. If you do not come to us willingly… others may come to take it by force."