Forged Destiny [Book 7: Ch. 15]

The guards, ten in all, broke off and approached Lisa, who looked defeated and spent, leaning against Ozpin's side. For his part, the Headmaster turned her slightly away, subtly placing his own body between them. Glynda stalked forwards, ready to intervene, but neither of them could beat me to it. I pushed past Blake and stepped between the guards and Lisa, unarmed, dressed in tattered rags from constant fights in Raven's arena and the cell we'd stayed in. I was a mess unprepared and unimpressive, but I held my arms out firmly and refused to move.

"Lord Samson," I called. "What's going on here?"

"Jaune Arc." His eyes widened, though he managed to retain his smile. "Good to see you in fine health. I'd ask you to stand aside, however. Lisa Lavender is under arrest by order of the King of Vale. She is to stand trial for her crimes."

"What crimes?"

"Inciting revolt. Treason."

"Lisa was taken against her will by the Greycloaks, and unless you miss what just happened, she was responsible for defusing New Dawn."

"That does not change what occurred. Please understand." Samson looked to the guards who had paused before me. They knew my name, it seemed, and were more than aware that unarmed or not, I was not to be ignored. "Detain her."

"If you attempt to follow that order, I shall defend her," I threatened.

The guards stilled. At least until Samson responded. "He is but one man and has clearly been led astray. Or seduced. Arrest her." Emboldened by the reality of his words, the guards moved forward, four approaching me in case I tried anything while the other six flanked wide, three on either side. Gritting my teeth, I prepared to fight as best I could.

—Forged Destiny [Book 7: Ch. 15]