When Horon looked at Koe helplessly the bard simply arched an eyebrow. Iluq's method of handling the situation was by provoking fear. Fear of reprisal, fear that a dragon's anger would cause it to lash out. Koe did not approve of such methods. Yet he was not willing to go so far as to guarantee Horon's safety from Iluq. She was her own creature. They might be traveling together. But he did not want her to be in a situation that required her to do or say something she would not normally do or say, or to feel as though he would keep her from defending herself. He believed, but did not trust. That meant Horon still had something to prove. And Koe was not willing to wait a great deal longer before he proved it.
"Well?" Koe finally said.
"I left my home," Horon finally spoke, although each word sounded as though it was being dragged out of him. "And I traveled for many years."
"You left the temple," Koe wanted clarity, and asked for it - but Horon's face was white.
"I left," and he offered no more detail that that, a stubborn line on his face. "Traveling the world is a dangerous occupation. During that time you encounter things that you never imagined, things that seem too mad to be real, but are. And during that time you discover if you have the mettle to deal with such threats. The ... thing which... attacked... is one such threat, a beast from another time."
"I come from the other time to which you refer," Koe said firmly. "And I cannot recall-"
"Forgive me," Horon interrupted. "I am not accusing you of lying, sir, but I know what I saw. And I know what I am fighting."
The sound which came from the back of Koe's throat was a combination of rudeness and frustration.