[ —tenses, immediately stepping away and moving his hand near his knife, but he manages to wrench his hand away from the weapon and relax it. rider isn't his enemy. he's not going to hurt him. physically, that is. ]

That's—not going to happen—[ but no, he's just deluding himself into thinking that. he takes a moment, briefly, shoulders sagging a bit before he brings his hand up to push rider's hand off, and he steps forward, and there's no hesitance in his words, although his tone sounds a little dead. ]

Then so be it. My team is more important to me than the whole of your team and if I have to hurt you to protect us—if that's what it takes, then I will. There's no question about if I can take it or not, if I have to then I will.