In the first two chapters of The Bronze Bow, why wasn't Joel intimidated by Rosh?

Joel is by nature not easily intimidated.  Daniel notes immediately that "the boy (is) no coward" (Chapter 1) by his reaction when he surprises him in the mountains, and by the "stubborn set of his jaw" and his retort, "Who are you to order me around?  You don't own this mountain.  And neither does Rosh" (Chapter 2) when he is urged to leave.  Besides being courageous, Joel deeply hates the Romans.  He has heard that Rosh is raising an army which will be led by the promised Messiah and bring deliverance to the Israelites, and he yearns to join them.  Meeting Rosh is a dream-come-true for Joel, and his steadfast nature combined with an element of "pure hero-worship" (Chapter 2) overcomes any sense of intimidation he might feel.