Searene did not step back but no longer stood as straight. “He's right, Searene,” said the professor. He touched both his and Ronin's shoulder but it was only the older man who stepped back. Ronin's tough demeanor reminded me of the first time he and I had met. To put it in one word: intimidating. In times like this, he appeared so much older than what he truly was—a teen like me. Yet, at the young age of eighteen he took on men twice his age. Ronin finally backed up and grabbed a glass of water, no doubt to collect himself. Once he drank the full glass, he returned to the group—seemingly more in control.
“Monlow must be stopped!” Searene shouted. “My wife is expecting our third son. All I have are boys. He must be stopped!” He slammed his fist down on the wooden table.
“Yes,” Ronin nodd
