I wanted to strike you, but a duel seemed more on level with the pig-headed stupidity you're so eagerly showing off at present. You're free to turn and walk from me, but it's time you realized there's nothing you can do to force me away.

[Because that's what he does so well (or so she sees it), with the bristles in his words and the spikes he thinks are armour. He has tried it on her before, and she has a Pendragon's blithe confidence that it's what he's trying now. She will not be pushed.]