"Come on, take off the mask quickly," the man repeated with a suspicious tone.
With calculated movements, Victor raised his hands to the mask that covered his face. He pulled at the loop that held it in place and removed it, revealing his aged and tired features. The wrinkles around his eyes and the gray beard added to the image of a man haggard with age.
The intruder narrowed his eyes and studied Victor's face. He seemed to relax a little, not recognizing the man before him.
"Ah, just an old man..." he murmured, still holding his sword. "Right, now go and join the others. But don't think I'll let you out of my sight."
Victor nodded slowly, keeping his hands in sight of the intruder.
"I just wanted to come out for a breather," Victor said, his voice trembling but full of sincerity. "All this violence... it's too much for an old man like me."
