That feral look matched the savageness that he felt, when he let himself work out his frustration on the bodies of those two-legged beasts that populated Haven’s criminal underground.

But he was only one Karsite Herald, and replaceable—not easily, perhaps, but replaceable. He could—marginally—rationalize risking himself. This was the King of Valdemar.

He’s not—Alberich thought with sudden terror.

:He is!: said Kantor, grimly.

No—Sendar couldn’t—Someone had to stop him!

And as Alberich struggled to pull himself up, the Companion gave a kind of twist and a shove with his nose just under Alberich’s rump. That got Alberich most of the way into the saddle, and a gut-wrenching effort of arms and legs got him seated securely enough to turn and try to stop Sendar before he could move—

But the King was already gone, halfway down the hill, though Alberich had no idea how he could have gotten that far in so short a time.

Too late—He could do nothing for Sendar. But Sendar was Talamir’s responsibility. Alberich had another.

“Stay here!” he roared to Selenay and her bodyguards, who were only just starting to react. The King’s Six had—Vkandis be thanked—acted in concert with the King. They must have realized the moment he drew his blade what he intended to do; they rode with him, knee and knee, with Talamir at Sendar’s right and Jadus at his left, a flying wedge that penetrated the ranks of those between them and the struggling front lines. A roar went up as the King, his banner bearer, and his escort of Heralds and Guards (and Healer!) entered the zone of fighting.

Alberich and Myste imposed themselves as a barrier between Selenay and the path to her father’s side; the rest of her escort crowded in, hemming her and Caryo in among them. “Stay here!” he bellowed at her, trying to get her attention. “Selenay! Heed me!”

She had no intention of doing any such thing. He could see it in her eyes, wild with fear and grief beneath her light helm. She hit out at them with mailed fists, flailing at them as she sobbed and cursed; she sawed at Caryo’s reins, she even tried to fling herself off Caryo’s back and follow on foot. But there were no divided loyalties among those who were protecting her. However suicidal Sendar’s action might be, however much their hearts and minds cried out to follow him and protect him, their duty was with Selenay. To keep her safe. And if there was one thing that a Herald understood—or a Guardsman—

—or the Sunsguard—

—it was duty.