[The Royal Council Chamber, St. James's Palace – Before the Meeting..]
William Pitt, the Prime Minister, said irritably, "He's making a spectacle of himself—casting spells in our streets like some stage performer! The people whisper of miracles, the clergy mutters of heresy, and our rivals will soon be listening. We must act before chaos takes hold."
The Earl of Bute added, "If this man possesses power beyond our comprehension, I do not trust him to wander unchecked. If his magic can build armies, forge weapons, or sway the minds of men—then this is no simple matter of curiosity."
Admiral George Anson leaned forward. "We must determine whether he is friend or foe. If he seeks to bargain, then let us bargain. But if he seeks dominion over us, we must plan accordingly."
