"Sir, here's the travel permit—signed by the Commander himself. Mind checking it?"
The lead soldier scoffed, arrogance oozing from every pore.
"The commander? Like His Excellency's got time to stamp papers for riffraff! You think every Tom, d**k, and Harry can waltz up to the commander?"
Lucas's smile never wavered as he sauntered over—then decked the loudmouthed soldier square in the jaw.
"Read it, you i***t! What's written there?"
"Cooper...?"
The soldier's sneer melted into horror as he gaped at the paper thrust in his face.
"Rowan Cooper? Young Master Cooper! Mercy—this blind worm never meant to offend!"
He hit the ground, forehead thudding against the dirt in a frantic bow. Lucas's glare could've scorched stone as he bellowed.
"Get lost! Come back, and I'll feed you to the do
