[center][h3][color=E4D00A]Hugh – Westroad[/color][/h3][/center]

The jovial countenance of Hugh turned decidedly sour as he heard Gaius not only reject his leading officer's advisement, but threaten him.  He felt expectant eyes on him following the young tactician's challenge, shortly followed by a perturbed wyvern rider's brusque dismissal.  The knight stepped forward and put an arm on Kel's shoulder.  “Stand down.  Nothing will be solved by displays like that.”  He pulled Kel back and looked up at Gaius with suppressed scorn.  “Soldier, I don't know what's gotten into you, but let's take a look at the facts.  You admitted yourself that this is your first time in the field.  Now, I might not have been born with a lance in my hand or a helmet on my head, but I've been in a fair share of skirmishes more dire than this one.  A single arrow will kill our Wyvern Rider.  Syrena has more than enough support in the form of Arkhant and Ronin should she require it, and I trust that she can control herself.  We are outnumbered by a mere five men, and these are mere brigands we face, not a trained army.”

A more earnest look reasserted itself on Hugh's face.  “You and I will iron out our problems together after the day is won...with my plan.  Failure to defer to my leadership will compromise your position on the Reclaimers.  I don't know if your father would like that very much.”  This information came from Gaius's contract.  “Do you understand?”