If Tycondrius were a better person, he would have recognized the young Highblade's bravery and respected her wishes.
...If he were a better person, he might have considered her words, then made tactful inquiries about whatever troubles had come to pass.
Unfortunately, Tycon was not that.
The Highblade's age was a point of weakness.
He chose to capitalize on it.
Tycon turned to face the Sapling... and relaxed his control over his Gold-Rank aura.
The Shadowstrider was first to react. They took a step backward and melded into the shadows.
His or her presence disappeared completely.
...It was not a stealth-type Skill. A moment later, Tycon sensed their aura, faint and... distant.
They had fled in earnest.
Tycon took a step towards the Highblade, his aura pulsing outward. The surroundings trembled, yet the expensive tile underfoot remained undamaged.
