It might be harsh, but the fact that the girl simply obeyed without further protest only serves to tell Geddoe that he'd judged correctly; he would not be surprised to learn she was a perfectly skilled fighter in her own right and style, but all the skills in the world meant nothing if a person wound up unable to muster the willpower to use them. He does watch as she goes, however, to make certain she isn't attacked until she reaches the mage.