"This blessed one asks us to abandon centuries of tradition." Korin's voice carried across the crowd. "To merge with rivals we've fought for generations. Based on vague promises of divine intervention."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the gathered leopards.
"She can't even explain how she'll solve the waterfall problem. Just trusts us to believe in her."
More murmurs, louder this time.
"Is that leadership? Or manipulation?"
Faelyn's hands clenched into fists. Her nails bit into her palms hard enough to hurt. She wanted to counter his arguments, wanted to explain everything, but she couldn't. Not without revealing the system. Not without shattering the whole divine mystery that made people believe.
So she had to stick with vague promises and hope faith was enough.
And Korin's arguments were good. He knew exactly what to say to make people afraid, and fear was stronger than hope. She had nothing that wouldn't sound like begging.
