"Is that a threat?" Though his back was to her, though he seemed an easy target, she found that she was afraid of this man, and wondered if she could strike him down despite her apparent advantage.
"If you are fool enough to demand an answer to that question," he said in an icy tone that turned her insides to water, "then attempt me and find out the truth."
Trying to emulate his tone, she said, "My eye is ever on you, Master Amrhost of the Kingdom of Astargoth, which gave birth to the traitors that became our bitter enemies, the evil Wights. For the remainder of our journey to Hollind and beyond, I shall dog your steps, and strike you dead, even as you offer yourself as servant to the enemy!"
"Little fool!" he rasped, turning to face her at last, his face a mask of something akin to anguish. "You will leave with the others when Hollind is evacuated! Do you hear me, girl? Think! What if the enemy were to capture you, alive and whole? Have you the least idea what they would do to a young elf girl such as yourself? Do not affront my ears with nonsense of your intended bravery in the face of torture and death!"
"Nevertheless-"
"Get you gone, you senseless little imp!" he shouted, standing over her so that she retreated from him, chagrined. "One more word and I shall put you over my knee!"