The afternoon sun cast the shadow of the fortified walls across the market, offering relief to people after a long stretch of blazing torture. With people starting to relax, it was the perfect time to strike and create an impact.
Auri marched up into the small podium at the plaza, his heart pounding a little too loudly as reached the front. He could feel the subtle weight of eyes drifting toward him, curious but not yet engaged.
The crowd that Hawad managed to gather wasn't that large. They were mostly travelers resting before their next destination, traders in between deals, grizzled merchants with calloused hands, and a few off duty guards resting in the shade. It was just a slice of Ruhad Fortress' small population, but it was enough to give him a momentary stage freight.
Auri shook away the nerves and took a slow breath, reminding himself of his purpose.
