[ Howl scoffs to himself. Elaborate? And ruin the air of mystique around himself that he cultivates so carefully? On a more serious note, he doesn't see why he has to explain himself to her or anyone else. She told everyone else to keep away from Estinien and that's good enough for him. He is a dangerous man and Howl does not expect anyone else to want to fight him. But if someone else wants to face the dragoon, and feels as confident in their ability to do so as Howl does, Howl wouldn't care. Let them. ]

As you said, only those with extensive combat experience and powers to match should take the man on. I would not be volunteering if I did not consider myself appropriate for the job.

He and I clashed briefly in the days prior to the escape, but I didn't use even a fraction of my power. He has no idea what I'm capable of.

[ Neither does anyone else here. And he'd like to keep it that way as long as possible, especially with regard to the Regent's pets. ]