As quickly as anyone else amongst the knights, Tyaethe drew her blade, though when the apparent enemy made no move to attack it dipped towards the floor. It was too late to save the fort's occupants and all that left them was the task of meting out justice--though as much as her emotions told her to strike out now and as itchy as she was to push the horse forward into battle, the mere step of raising doubts about their innocence was enough to force her to stop. Her vows wouldn't allow her to immediately brush concerns off.

Not without a direct and valid order.

Umbra had no such compunctions however, and neither did the rest of the knights, so the paladin could hardly fault her for doing the normal thing. It didn't work, which meant their mysterious aggressor was at least quick to respond to visible threats. Unfortunately, it made the diplomatic step of their current mission a lot more difficult.

"Then if you aren't responsible, put down your weapons until such time as our investigation of the fortress is complete. We cannot simply let those responsible for this slaughter go without reason," the fully-armoured knight said, "And if you will comply, I offer my protection so long as it remains necessary."

Even if her gut was telling her to stab them.