"You've earned a dishonourable discharge, if anything," Lombard snorted. "Is there no limit to your disagreeability? You've used me as a pawn, youngling, and I've come running to assist with your stratagems. Will you take risks to the very end, even after having incurred the injury that you already wear?"
"But of course," Oliver said. "For there is progress in every risk."
"Somehow, I think your outlook on progress differs to that of Dominus," Lombard said with another snort. "Very well. Do not complain to me when this proves to be the struggle for you that we both know it will be."
They moved together to intercept the blades coming their way. Both Jericho and Amion had targeted their swords towards Oliver, even after having noticed Lombard's presence. The aged Captain had to forcefully assert himself in order to catch Jericho's blade, and draw it towards himself.
