Not now, he thought. As he turned to face the men Valentine felt the familiar surge through his muscles, the blood rushing away from his stomach and the slowing of his perception of time. Even with all the alcohol running though his veins the feeling he got before battle was as intense as it always was.
“I think we should teach him a lesson in the way of the world,â€? one of the thugs said.
“You boys really don’t want to do this,â€? said Valentine, standing up. He hoped desperately that by showing his lack of fear he could avoid a physical confrontation.