He stood, re-collecting his shield. He didn't yet moved to pull his sword from where it stay... but he kept his hand upon it, and closed the visor of his helm with a clang. He did not want to put himself on display any more than he had need to --

And doing so hid his tight-lipped frown.

"You came yarely to my defense in battle, sir, for which I owe you a debt of honor and service. But I owe no allegiance or duty to the Inquisition you serve; I am Unkindled, and my duty is to the Flame, and to what knightly orders I have sworn myself to. There is no sense to render."

It was a great deal to speak, after so long in silence; he swallowed, exhaling slowly, watching to see if the knightess would make use of the knife she kept out.

Not that it would avail her aught.