Elias stepped forward, unbar the door, and pushed it open just enough to face the intruders without giving them a clear view inside. The scarred man smirked." Quiet place you got here. Doesn't need visitors, Elias replied. When not visiting, the man said, just passing through.
Thought we'd have a look around. Folks out here don't usually mind. This place minds. The man glanced past Elias's shoulder toward the faint movement inside. Aiona shifting her stance.
Nielli clutching the edge of the table. His expression sharpened. We heard this homestead belonged to two Apache women. He tilted his head. didn't expect to see a man here. Elias didn't blink.
They're not alone. And who exactly are you? Someone who won't let you step past this door. The rider's smirk faded. The men behind him shifted in their saddles.
Reassessing the situation. Until now, they believed the homestead weak. Two women, vulnerable land, nothing worth resisting. Elias's presence changed the math and they didn't like it. The scarred man stepped closer.
We're looking for food, supplies, maybe a horse if you got extra. Not asking for trouble. You walk the ridge at night, watch from a distance, circle fences, and then call it asking," Elias asked. The man froze for a brief second, surprised that someone had noticed their earlier scouting." Didn't think anyone was paying attention," he muttered.
"I paid attention," Elias answered." Leave the property." The man's jaw tightened. He leaned in just enough to test Elias's resolve. You think you can stand against all of us? I don't need to.
Elias's voice remained low and steady. I just need you to know it won't be worth the trouble. There was no threat shouted. No dramatic posture, only controlled certainty. The kind that came from a man who knew exactly how quickly violence could unfold and how final it could be.