`Perhaps I overestimated their threat level as an archer somewhat...` Abel thought to himself as a following arrow vaulted through the air on a clear path to miss its mark entirely. Unlike the prior attack, this one was completely prepared for -- the position that the first arrow came from actually told Abel precisely which angle his opponent was stationed, though deducing the distance was another matter entirely. Even if the assailant's aim had been commendable, it was highly unlikely the second arrow would not have been deflected.

	"[b]Magicae potentia, patientia supplementum.[/b]" Abel chanted in a whisper, channelling his magical forces; faint ethereal outlines of a white circle composed of runes forming around his being temporarily, which grew in intensity as the spell approached completion.

	From the moment Abel had seen the arrow hurling through the air, he had begun charging the incantation for his spell -- he planned to do so regardless of whether or not the second attack made contact or not. As far as he was concerned he had already given this assailant a warning, so now he needed to assume that conflict was most likely unavoidable. He still intended to try and reason with the opponent - whoever they happened to be - but hence forth he would assume that battle had officially commenced. If his enemy continued to fire arrows upon him, he would use his shield to continually deflect them while casting support magic to grant himself the advantage -- there was no point in concerning himself with matters such as chivalry or a fair duel when this craven had already illustrated the gall to attempt a sneak attack twice now.

	`King Wulfric Angoril... 'Angoril', he said...? Crimson Knight after all... What a bother...` Abel thought to himself as the opponent finally decided to show himself. If the words spoken by the man had not given away his status as one of the Crimson Knights, the inherently 'crimson' armour [i]would[/i] have. There was no sign of his bow or quiver, so presumably the assailant had chosen to discard them once he realized it was a futile tactic. `He referred to me as a 'traitor', despite no foreknowledge of me whatsoever... Therefore, I must assume that any warrior not within the ranks of the Crimson Knights must be viewed as a hostile element... The apparent partisanship of these 'Crimson Knights' is [i]evidently[/i] not mere folktale; if this man is to be considered a model example, that is...` he internally reflected.

	"Do not question my resolve, bigot... Do you [i]earnestly[/i] believe I will simply surrender?" Abel spoke calmly but with a stern tone -- there was no holes in his determination for a greater path was on the horizon for him.

	With his support magic - having plenty of time to charge given the distance of the combatants - already nearing completion, the playing field was seemingly even despite the opponent's armour. There was no rationale to yield when he had a future. Under normal circumstances he would perhaps have chosen his words a little more tactfully, but he was already in a foul mood and from what little he could make of this powerbroker the concept of civility was beyond him. So far, Abel had done his best to avoid angering the authorities in this region, since he did not need further problems impeding his quest home, but he was almost certain that speech was meaningless here. During his initial words, he relinquished the larger of the two bags in his possession, a clanking sound - seemingly from some sort of metal - growling as the sack hit the earth.

	"I merely wish to collect payment for my labour... If you refuse to allow me passage, I will teach you some respect." Abel spoke, still trying to play the voice of reason as he drew his sword the magic circle finally materializing in full; a radiant glow engulfing him momentarily. The magic spell activated, fortifying Abel's endurance. At the same time, he drew the sword with his left hand -- he was ready for the encounter.

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[b]Fortify Endurance[/b]
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[b]Fortify Endurance[/b] (60 seconds remaining)
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[@ELGainsborough]