He lowered his head slightly, a smile on his face that was a mixture of appraisal, calculation, and a hint of deliberate intimidation. His voice wasn't loud, but it was perfectly clear.
"Hey, kid! Our leader fronted the money for that stone just now. It only ended up costing two Silver Eagles, but that doesn't mean the favor comes cheap."
"Looking at how you're dressed and the way you talk… 'I'll be sure to pay you back.' A fine sentiment, but when do you plan on doing that? And how?"
"Around here, empty promises of gold aren't worth as much as a single, solid copper plate in your hand."
Holland's words were like a fine needle, precisely piercing the pride Ellis was desperately trying to maintain.
The young Mage's pale cheeks instantly flushed red, and a flicker of offended rage ignited in his gray-blue eyes.
"Are you questioning my credibility, sir?"
His voice trembled slightly with agitation, but he still clung to a stiff, formal manner of speech.
