Arkai was taken by surprise, but quickly regained his balance to avoid him completely skidding out of control upon being hit. A powerful urge inside him told him that he should at least try, and if he failed, he would have died with honour; but then the more serious side of him told him it was ridiculous. He was one man against an army of the undead. A crossbow was powerful but slow, and he'd have no chance of defeating them all; and using his sword to hold them back seemed out of the question, there were too many to fight; and even if he did succeed, he wouldn't stand a chance against the giant. He'd need at least one ally if he were to fight.
"I humbly apologise, sire, but I do not fancy my chances against your fighters. But pray, before I leave, may you please tell me what the woman stole that is so important to you?" He gulped. By saying this, he may have been asking too much, so he quickly added, "I can understand if it is a subject you do not wish to discuss with me, and I shall leave... but if she hid it in a location out of this cavern, I may be able to retrieve it for you... for the freedom of the woman." He had been struck by inspiration, and felt that he could do this.