It was a strange thing to say and a strange way to say it. If you're really who you claim. Another point of note - the bard had no reason to censor his tongue, unlike an adult, who would consider that implying someone was a liar might sour them on you. Eragos would have challenged an adult instantly in response to such a statement. Did the fact that Eragos said nothing now reflect more on the bard, or on Eragos himself? He certainly could not suggest that it was only because the bard was young. Perhaps it was. In the meantime, he still had questions that he needed to answer. And a glance over his shoulder told him that the mercenaries were watching with interest.
"I would not indulge their fantasies for any price," Eragos finally replied. "I would break them upon my sword before I would make them think that we have anything in common."
It was not a rebuke of the bard's suggestion, merely his own honest opinion of their "sword skill" in relation to his own. If punishing someone with steel was an option it could make you reckless, but it also enabled you to defend your honor from serious threats. The boy was good-looking, beautiful in the way that a poet would appreciate, but Eragos thought of only one person's face when he closed his eyes to dream. There was no room for anyone else; especially not a child. Those mercenaries did not realize how lucky they were, that they were still alive. And how unlucky they were going to become if they troubled the bard again.
He should not have tangled himself in this. He did not like to see anyone suffer, least of all young people.
He should not have tangled himself in this.
"I am who I say I am," he continued. "But my name guarantees nothing, unfortunately. The decision is yours."