As she took a step back, he took a step forward. The conflict in his mind was clearly shown on his face. It had diminished in the sight of her suddenly getting very nervous at the mention of him having been involved in the Elven wars, but it was still there. The sword was the same as the one in the book, there was little doubt of that, but what had she actually done to be deserving of the ill will that was generated around that blade? As she said, nothing. And normally, he would have taken that at face value and let her be on her merry. But the elf wars had taken a toll on him. Some things had been taught, ingrained so deeply inside him that he couldn't just shrug them aside. It was something more important than his conscience, even his safety at stake now. If the stories were true.
If.
He scowled, taking a handful of steps forward, his blade held at the ready as he approached her, moving to cut off her escape. He was a tactically thinking man, after all," I'm sure you know what that sword represents, Elf. What it means? Even if you have been away from your kind for very long, you would know those tales. As do I. At best, you killed someone, stealing that sword in which case it needs to be judged in the court of magic in Aeine, declaring that blade safe to use and free of any dangerous enchantments. At worst, you are the part of the cult who is famed for that blade, in which case if I don't stop you, the lives of thousands will be at stake," He looked harder now. He was a soldier, and that was what he reflected, his eyes keen," Therefore, in the name of the Queen of Aeine, I must ask you to lay down you weapon and remand yourself into my custody for escort to Aeine at once."
He remembered those lines like they had been burned with a brand into his heart. They had been said to him once, after all, and by his best friend, with pleading eyes, begging him not to fight," To deny my request is to deny the request of the queen, and therefore punishable by death after tria in a court of Her choosing."