The Rapid Gaining of Strength - Part 1

He didn't blink as he watched the Elder's retreat. Even as Vale stood in front of him, defending the wounded monster, the man didn't take his eyes off him. He showed them the yellow of his teeth, as he smiled that crooked smile, his head tilted off to one side.

His stance was defensive. His shield was raised, and he stood narrow, with his back stooped over, as if he was truly afraid. If one could not see his face, that might have been tricked by that fear, and hounded in on him recklessly. Vol eyed him, and he was sure that whatever it was that allowed the man to adopt such a cowardly posture, it certainly was not fear.