[He is quiet for a long moment. When he answers it is without emotion, and it is clear this is the answer he would give to another Assassin on any given day.

The rest of the matter--the fact that she is his daughter and when she learned to fight--will remain for another time.]

I do not need protection. Not from your brothers and not from you. If I didn't know they would not be as stubborn as I at their age--I would not have them here at all.

I know my way back, and I am capable of dodging a few beasts.

Stay put. That is an order, not a request.