Edward waited for her reply, but as the silence stretched his eyebrow rose in an arrogant arch. "So silent. No one who you should be mingling with Fabian, would do less than slap my cheek and demand satisfaction for such a slur." His attention returned to Audrey, and gave her a mockingly deep bow. "Offspring of the Mage-Bane, what an honour it is! We have heard so much about your kinsmen. Such a sturdy, resourceful breed." It was said with a mild disgust and his lip twisted as if he had smelled something foul. "Wasn't it Grimsword in the broardsheets a few weeks ago - lost a good half of the bloodline in one little misadventure... Lord Jack, isn't it? Pity you didn't die along with them."<br/><br/>"Wasn't it a deer in the road, or a cow? They should knight it for national service" chimed in another. They had spread out in a half circle, penning Fabian and Audrey in.<br/><br/>Fabian had shrank back, cowed by the older boys and his kinsman - and then he panicked and bolted, dodging between the youngest of their tormentors and the one called Spencer.<br/><br/>Edward looked furious as Fabian dashed away, half torn between giving pursuit and staying with 'Jack'.