Xavier watched Esperanza as she cleaned her wound, he would have preferred to have her let it bleed a bit more to get any infection out of it but he didn't doubt the warnings of the others.  He had been less concerned about the wound than the near miss the arrow had represented.  While there had always been the possibility of professional kidnappers coming for the Sergovia family's jewel, most of his protecting had been against overly affectionate would be lovers, most of whom were rather drunk.  The arrow was a reminder that these creatures were ruthless, clever, and deadly.  He took the soiled rag, soaked with wine and her blood and thinking of the vampires as hunters following a blood trail had a thought.  Turning to Bucren he asked.  "Do you think scraps of this tied to a well placed arrow could confuse our hunters?"  They would need every advantage they could get out there.  (If Bucren agreed he will cut the cloth into small strips to tie to arrows.)<br/><br/>Listening carefully to Ishmark's directions he pulled his sword out once again.  He could feel the surge of adrenaline kicking in once again and hoped it would be enough.  He watched as Ishmark asked for his sword back, he felt more comfortable with Bucren since he trusted him more though now that Ishmark seemed to have cleared his head the two would have to settle it between them.   He then turned to the group more collectively but addressed the ladies.  "Try to stay together if you can, I can assure you Esperanza knows how to use her blade."  He hoped it would inspire some small confidence in them, but he was astute enough to realize they cared little for his words.  He then focused on the gypsy.  "You may well be safer here if they follow us, but stay or go, now is the time to decide."<br/><br/>Moving towards the door he asked whichever ended up with the silver sword.  "Stay with the girls, keep the hunters from them, I will clear us a path"  It pained him to not stay close to Esperanza but he knew he was best suited to clearing the way and he would need room to swing his sword like scythe and couldn't do that and watch his charge.  He took a few broad swings with his sword to limber up his tired and stiff arm.  Not being an actual soldier, Xavier had never been in a large battle.  He had needed to fight his way through some angry mobs and some large raids so he knew somewhat of what to expect.  In some ways he looked forward to having a clear cut purpose instead of being confused and helpless.  "Is anyone not ready?"  He asked loudly as he prepared to kick open the door and begin cutting their path.