I may not be the best with one, but Lord Auron saw to it that I knew how to protect myself and he never did anything by halves.

Even without Kent and my magic, it is easier to make our way towards the throne room now that the mages can't access any magic.

Most of them don't even bother to put up a fight - they just run.

Those fighting outside are probably having a better time of it too.

Maybe, just maybe, there won't be as high a sacrifice as we thought.

I stop when I'm suddenly swamped with strong emotions.

Larcen…?

He's not far now.

In fact… he's just ahead of us.

In the throne room.

I glance at Adrian, but he just gives me a weak smile.

Witnessing all this fighting and death must be hard on him.

It's hard on me too, but I can block it out as long as I remain untouched.

But for a mid-level healer…

Someone whose everything instinct tells them to soothe and heal wounds…

This must be maddening.

It's then that I make a decision.

I won't let him see anymore.

"Riel, Arabella, take Adrian and get to safety. His part in this battle is done."

Adrian looks like he's about to protest but Riel quiets him with a shake of his head.

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It's Arabella who speaks.

"What about you?"

"I'll be along shortly. I just need to finish something."

They don't seem happy with that answer but they don't argue.

"Come back alive, okay?"

Adrian's teary smile chokes me up to the point that all I can do is nod.

Riel seems about to add something to that but I fix him with a look.

"Get them out of here."

He nods and I wait until they are gone.

Then I enter the throne room.