"You!"
Ethan nodded once in acknowledgment. "General."
The Low-Silver general from the Panther battle pushed through the crowd, disbelief etched across his features.
"What are you—" He stopped, reassessing the situation. "These people are with you?"
"They are."
Understanding transformed the general's demeanour. He turned to the captain, voice shifting to parade-ground command.
"You will admit every person in this group. Immediately."
The captain blanched. "Sir, our orders—"
"Are superseded by mine." The general's aura flared subtly, silver energy emphasising his rank.
The refugees who had abandoned Ethan moments earlier surged forward again, hope rekindled by this unexpected reprieve.
He turned to Ethan, voice lowered. "Who are your actual companions?"
Before Ethan could reply, the crowd erupted in sycophantic backtracking.
"I was with him the whole time!"
"He saved my family personally!"
"We fought monsters together!"
