`Taxes...? This does not bode well...` Abel thought to himself in reaction to the mentions of this apparent 'decree' from the tyrant who ruled this region, or to be more exact in react to the blatant act of extortion. Abel was started to get a clearer image of why people had spoken so poorly of the lord of this land, and if events kept up at this current pace he may have no choice but to involve himself in this growing conflict; if he planned on seeking out unhindered employment in order to go home, at least. He recalled hearing of the revolutionaries in the region -- these insurgents might have been in need of additional fighters; not to mention that Abel could provide strategic insight. While the idea of fighting for money instead of fighting for principles was something he opposed, he needed to make coin like everyone else did -- with the rebels he could arguably fight for both causes - returning home and combating injustice - at once. "I know not of this 'Ector' you speak..." Abel replied plainly, no inherent deception noticeable in his tone or expression because none existed -- he truly did not know the man by name since he had only been keeping minor tabs on the events here. While he could make the assumption that this person known as Ector was possibly the leader of the rebellion, he nevertheless was not acquainted with him at all so it was not a lie to say he did not know him. "However, I also have no intention of relinquishing my earned reward to a tyrant, let alone to his dog. I am a foreigner to this region, but that does not mean I will tolerate such disrespect... no matter what authority you may hold." he continued -- Abel found himself irritated that such people could even be granted a position of power in the world. Battle was inevitable at this point, but Abel had already utilized the first of his magic spells and should he find any further opportunities he would continue to do so. He was able to cast magic while he defended himself - which was one of the reasons for using a shield in the first place - but only as long as his concentration remained unbroken. Since his assailant was the initiator of this conflict, he allowed the man in crimson armour to close the distance between them rather than waste his own stamina on the act. "[b]Magicae potentia, celeritate supplementum.[/b]" Abel chanted in a whisper, preparing his next spell as the same style of magic circle started to faintly become visible around him. If his opponent was unable to do something to successfully break his concentration - which would take more than simply attacking him with slash that could be blocked without difficulty - Abel's spell would activate; fortifying his speed and giving him an advantage against the enemy, which would definitely change the flow of the battle. [center]~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~[/center] [hider=Spell Casting] [b]Fortify Speed[/b] [/hider] [hider=Active Spells] [b]Fortify Endurance[/b] (54 seconds remaining) [/hider] [@ELGainsborough]