The soldiers behind her nodded faintly, as if clinging to her words for reassurance, though their eyes lingered uneasily on the monstrous troops.
Lumberling didn't answer right away. Instead, he watched her carefully, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, as if he had been waiting for this very challenge.
"If it's proof you want," he said, his voice steady, "then let your Knight test me."
The words hung in the air. A ripple of surprise passed through Liraeth's soldiers. Gordon, the old Knight at her back, straightened, his hand already resting on the hilt of his blade. His weathered face showed no arrogance, only calm readiness.
"You wish to spar with me, Lord Lumberling?" Gordon asked, his voice deep and steady, carrying the weight of decades on the battlefield.
"I do." Lumberling nodded. "Show your lady what it means to stand against me."
