The high chief presses his aggressor, the voice whispered.

Al-kin could only nod. It was true, the high chief made it difficult for anyone with power to hold back. He increased his chances of an altercation and that was something that Al-kin could not see the man doing and surviving in this particular case.

It was unfair, really.

It's never been given to you that life would be fair.

Again, a nod was the only response to the voice as the stranger stood, hand pressing upon the human guard's shoulder. Any words that may have been said are left to the singular squeeze upon the man's shoulder before the human's charge stepped out into view from the shadow of the tent.

Like a cat in daylight, just called to, the stranger did not go round about, but instead, walked directly for the group. Perhaps a new presence could shatter the tension leading to violence. Perhaps it would only serve to add fuel to the fire. Al-kin would be ready for both.

Slender fingers reached down to the waist belt and in a practiced move of thumb and forefinger, unhooked the leather latch set over the hilt of the sword strapped there. Fingers curled over the pommel and then slid into place about the hilt; a gesture not so much of attack as assertive certainty. Designed to state there here, there was another in this crowd, one more for the warted and twisted old man and his doused companion to go through.

The weight of the new appearance depended solely on how important the particular show down between the high chief and the leader of the pair would prove to be. Still, in preparation, Al-kin took a breath and drew upon the ley lines which crisscrossed the camp, surprised to find them stuffed fat and almost overly full. In response to the draw, an almost imperceptible greenish tint rose about Al-kin's form, so light it may have been missed altogether.

No, there was no flash or ostentation with Al-kin's preparation. For it was not Al-kin who stood in the midst of the fray. What cause could there have been in creating another scene, another reason to destroy?

It was but a short walk to where the nearest men stood flanking the high chief. Al-kin did not assume to be granted leave to stand so close. Rather, the creature took place, silent and watchful, some half way around the circle, large grey eyes narrowed against the bright sunshine. Yet there was no missing the newest arrival, for Al-kin was as tall as the taller of the humans and yet cold and slim as the blade which rested at the ready, along one long thigh.

__________________

‘What will my death be like?’ he thought- and knew at once
with abrupt certainty, that it would be just like his life:
... the same balance of bearables.
~Amis