[Jim's nose wrinkled just a fraction and he slouched down further, chin level with his shoulders]

I keep asking, you little brat, because you keep lying to me. What would he want with an apprentice? Especially a child that has given no indication of being anything other that ordinary and boring? [Jim let out a small huff of annoyance and turned on the spot again as he straightened out his back.]

[He seemed to brighten up at the name, sly grin returning and smoothing away the annoyance and frustration.]

Do you know who I am, by chance, Conan. [He managed to bleed as much venom as possible into the name, twisting the syllables into sounding like a threat.]