With all their years together, Ed knows how to get through to Izzy--knew this, if anything, would do it; but the reverse, for better or worse, is also true: Izzy understands certain facets of Ed that aren't openly shared, and knows how to pry out the side of Ed he wants to see.

Ed doesn't want to be this man who causes pain, rules with cruelty, and is more feared than liked--and yet he also does. This is the side of him he has shaped and honed and used--across history, the name Blackbeard still inspires awe.

He smiles back at Izzy, though it is not a sympathetic or kind smile.

"I know."

And with Izzy properly admonished, Ed gives him a parting shove before releasing him.

"Have a little faith."