The snap of electricity is a clear threat, and Balthazar is not about to step back and let them duke it out, a stance which has less to do with his inventory than a shaky but quickly building attachment to his old friend. He moves again, more overtly parking himself between the boy and the older sorcerer. Arms out, his ring is still quiescent. He doesn't want to take a shot at someone who might just be the Prime Merlinian. For many, many reasons.

"I don't know you. Neither of us knows you. I'm hoping this is all a misunderstanding, but if you're any kind of Merlinian you know better than to shoot first and ask questions later. Stand down and we'll talk this over." He holds out a hand, palm up. "Look around. No one but you is making any aggressive moves."