James grinned as the fireball merely dissipated against the strength of his shield. He slowly began to approach them, shield still raised in defense. "Only a coward would use a woman in order to protect himself from a man's battle, yet if you insist on using such lowly tactics, then I have but one option..." He was now probably ten yards from the two when he threw down his shield, it landing on the ground with a loud "thud". His sword was still in his right hand, and he motioned for the warlock to approach with his left. "Whether by my sword, the sword of the king, or of the people itself, you shall die a most violent death...but I present to you a challenge. I have cast down my shield of wood, now, I call for you to let go of your own shield of flesh..." He nodded toward the woman. "...so we may resolve this like men; no tricks or lies from either of us...only what we wear and what we're trained to use...your magic against my steel. The winner lives, and the looser dies. The choice is yours."