Ser Gabriel had jerked his shield upwards, and his head down to meet it, as soon as the crossbow's latch released, but breathed a sigh of relief when it flew wide of him itself. Likely, he wouldn't have been fast enough. Fortunately, Ser Salah seemed unharmed, if unhappy. With a tired sigh, he sheathed his sword, rested his shield against the wall, and began unstrapping his helmet. "Stop, farmer!" He called into the shelter. "Don't be a fool!
"Hear me: I am Ser Gabriel LaGlann, whom men call the Proud. My companion is Ser Salah Saralis, fresh knighted but today, who rides with me to hunt the night-beast of Nothstarr. Had I truly wished to harm you, I would have taken an arm already." He finished taking off the helmet, and rested it under an arm. Much as the rising storm was putting strain on his patience, he knew it was important to keep a level tone, in order to calm the situation rather than excite the peasants any further.
"I've put away my weapon," he continued, "so lower yours, all right? Have a look at my face." He stepped back into view of the window, slowly and carefully, hunching down to look inwards. "As you see, I am a man of elven blood, blue-eyed and golden-haired. My companion is elven-blooded as well, dark-eyed, and fair-haired, and we are both of the Phoenix. If this describes the men you speak of as well, then find one among you who can read, for I bear proof in the form of an official missive.
"Now," he continued, stepping back out of sight, just beside the window. "To attack a Knight of Archades is a serious crime, as you all know. But so is tax fraud, however, and to defend oneself from a rogue knight is permitted. I, too, was a commoner once, and I know well that hardship. So open your door, and give us shelter for the night, and I will promise you these things:
"One. I will forgive all those inside for the bolts and arrows fired at me thus far.
"Two. I will restrain Ser Salah, who is a nobleman born and raised, from seeking justice for the same.
"Three. I will do everything in my power, on my return, to see the false knights Ser Ricktor and Ser Mortimus brought to justice.
"To this end, I give you my word twice: once as a knight, and again as the son of a shopkeeper. Only choose quickly, farmer. Leave us out in the storm, and I will make you no promises at all."