He was not afraid to fight two men, even though not so well armed as they, but his wish was first to place the young woman beyond their reach--for when the fight came it would be to the death.
"No harm shall come to you," said the leader in a gentler tone.

"Walk forward over the path and we will guard you against harm." "Whither do you intend to take me ?" she asked, debating whether to obey or to make a fight then and there and force matters to an issue.
"To Akwar." "Why there ?" "To place you among friends that your enemies may not reach you." "Why not take me to my home ?" "It has been burned and the men are hiding among the trees that they may slay you when you and your father return." After a moment's hesitation she obeyed, taking the path along which her parent soon after pressed in the desperate effort to recover her from her captors..