"But of course I do. Orphan and royalty are quite particular terms, are they not? Now, if you would please refrain from being so demanding of me... after all this situation is not as in your hands as you would like." You sensed the air to accommodate the notched bow before you started speakingAn arrow would do the trick, you think to yourself as you intentionally lean your head in the direction of the arrow as it sailed through the air.
You part your lips before the arrow sails into your mouth, closing with its entrance. You lean your head back as though you were about to fall to the ground dead, but, you merely inhale swiftly through your nostrils and rock forward, blowing hot ash that was once the arrow into the face of the Princess. While hot ash had the potential to blind the girl if it made contact with her eyes, you ensured you had enough manipulated air in opposition to allow her to flinch and draw away to protect her face.
That involuntary action is what you take advantage of. Moving your hands up to the daggers, you grip them and, as if they were crafted with rope instead of steel, wrap them around the girls hands and construct a knot before pushing her to the ground.
That is where your actions end. You have diffused the immediate danger and have no desire to ignite any of her own. You fold your hands as you divert your eyes to the ranger.
"You there, bowman. draw another arrow and that bow will be ash. Your ruler and her guard, not to mention you yourself, are guilty of a capital offense: threatening the life of an Arch-Overseer. You seem the oldest of you adolescents so hopefully you are the most open to reason. Explain to the orphan princess that I represent the will of The Divine Pontifex Alessandra the forth. The single most powerful force in all the realms. Threatening me is threatening the will of the Pontifex herself. One single report... or one lack thereof would lead to enough soldiers marching these lands to ensure that the Casthradia Holllows would be but a memory. Explain to her that I am here to protect your land. That I have no desire to act violently unless others act violently against me, such as in this instance. Tell her that the meeting I must hold in the castle with the leaders of her forces is far more important than whatever reason you are ambling around these woods for. Finally, explain to her that this meeting is just as important to her as it is to me because I have reason to suspect demonic forces are gathering in this very kingdom so her co-operation is with me would be the wisest decision she will make as a ruler. Can you do that?" |