Francis just looked at Daimen with no feeling. It was a passive look, meant to give nothing away. "Forgive me my liege. But I was waiting in the war room and only just received you message a few minutes ago. I am not magical like you. I only have mundane means to travel this castle and it does take a little bit. Even at a running pace." His voice was calm and even toned. It didn't betray the slight fear he was feeling at the king's rant. Sure. He would look forward to a quick death, but he doubted that the death would last long. The cons of serving a necromancer.<br/><br/>When the hit came, Francis took just enough of a step away to dissipate some of the force, but still leave a mark. Stumbling a bit, he rubbed his shoulder and bowed his head. "Because my liege, it is better to wait for nightfall. As I think a night raid would be a wise thing against Scarborough, I want my men ready to battle with only the light of the moon. They already know how to fight by sun. They are not lax for the sake of being lazy." Here he gave his king a sly grin, his plan for his army already in motion. "Please my king, it weeds out the week early for I am sure you will kill any that do not immediately go to the training grounds whenever you command."<br/><br/>After all, he was sure that the king would order training sessions on a whim. He was very childlike in that regard. At least based on Francis's observations of him. And he was also sure that any man that didn't jump and make haste at such an order will feel the swift death and then rising from that death from the king before him.<br/><br/>Once again. The cons of serving a necromancer.