'I,' he says, quite precisely, 'would not be in such a situation. Yes, if it were done to me unjustly, I would call it violence - men are unhorsed in battle constantly, and it is surely dangerous. But that is not the same as this, where there were no other choices available to remove Sir Harry. Save just give up the horse and let him ride him as he pleased.'

He eyes Thor even as he concentrates on keeping his breathing steady, and asks his own serious question.

'Would you have done so? Left him to ride, and taunt, and sneer?'

Would it have been honourable? No, he thinks not.