Figurativelanguage refers to using figures of speech in order to be more effective, persuasive or descriptive. It usually relies on using words in ways that differ from their literal accepted meanings. Therefore, this allows the author to use words in an unconventional way. In this case, the phrase does not mean that the warriors literally turned into hornets. Instead, it describes te warriors as being as violent, relentless and decisive as hornets.
Well he might be frightened because of the words he is using to describe what is happening. He uses the word pitifully thin which might make him frightened because he just woke up from a dream.
