Unhealthy Attachment

[Tismri]

Teza Mae walked through the palace of Ileria, Pyrrha's footsteps echoing five paces behind her. This was the princess' first time leaving Bromsland since she'd returned after her torture, and she found she was glad for the change of scenery. Exploring this new place was a good distraction from the torturous depression that was plaguing her mind. Every waking hour, she was hearing unfounded but justifiable accusations ringing through her mind, and every hour of sleep was haunted by incessant nightmares.
She found she was glad that Pyrrha had been sent to guard her, though she knew Jason was probably also keeping an eye on her somewhere. The young guard never told the princess that she couldn't or shouldn't do something. She never protested when Teza Mae climbed rooftops or explored the city. Whenever the princess climbed somewhere, Pyrrha would always wait at the bottom, ready to catch her should she fall--which she had on a few occasions, when her arm or feet would begin their painful spasms and stop supporting her weight. Once she recovered, Teza Mae would immediately try again, and Pyrrha would let her. Once she reached the top, the guard would swiftly follow, her climbing skills just as expert as the princess'. Wherever they went, the guard made sure the princess never left her sight for more than a few seconds. It was for these reasons that Pyrrha was Teza Mae's favorite guardian.
As they walked through the palace, Teza Mae paused when she heard voices on the other side of a closed door. She glanced at Pyrrha, who had a faint look of disapproval on her face, but said nothing when the princess leaned her ear against the door and listened.

"I have received word from our young Rider in the desert," she heard Tismri's voice on the other side. "Seth had informed us of the position Gloriann has been forced into. Initially, it was as we believed. She and Sundavar had been tricked into joining the Shade's army. But now she has regained clarity, and is no longer loyal to Katriana. However, the Shade Rider has discovered other ways to keep her there. It seems she has...set some of the spirits that possess her upon Gloriann, and whenever she attempts to defy Katriana, these spirits attack her." Tismri sounded troubled, but Teza Mae was extremely intrigued. What was being described sounded an awful lot like what was happening to her, only with different effects.
~~~~~~
Present within Marek's mind, Malevolence listened to what the old Rider was describing. The spells used to tie Katriana to Gloriann sounded like a similar concept to what tied him to the wretched armor. He'd had many years to think on what magic could do between two objects.
It sounds like a binding spell, he commented to Marek. A spirit cannot truly leave a Shade, even if commanded. But we can become connected to others as well. Certain old, powerful Shades used the technique to create thralls for themselves. The spirit wondered if Marek might allow him to speak to the gathering. Second-hand communication could become confusing. Especially if the mediator was Marek, who had trouble even remembering and pronouncing names more often than not.

[Trinn]

Nasuada refrained from rubbing her temples. It was an old habit now, one she felt possessed to use whenever stress entered her life. Nowadays she rubber her temples every waking morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Yet she held her hands down on her lap and listened with polite attentiveness to the ancient rider. She has having a hard time wondering what the importance of rescuing one young rider was. No, that was wrong, she understood the importance of it, but why risk themselves like that for one rider? There were many things a queen had to be, and sometimes heartlessly cold was one of them. She dared to voice her opinions now. "Elder rider, I understand wanting to save the life of this young woman. However, logic dictates that we not risk it. It would not be worth throwing other riders into the heart of that evil to rescue her." Nasuada had a feeling that no matter what she said, the riders would do their own plotting in private. She had been invited to this room merely as a courtesy, she felt. This was Ileria, where Nasuada sat and ruled. It would be rude not to inform the queen of such things. Not for the first time she also found herself wishing that Murtagh was here, beside her. He had been the only man who she thought she could have loved, and now he was gone, perhaps gone forever. If ever he did return he would find a young woman replaced with an older. She was still fair to the eye, but youth was quickly escaping.

"Of course perhaps I am presuming too much about a rescue?"

[Tismri]

Tismri sighed softly at Nasuada's protests against rescue. She knew it would be a dangerous affair, and she wouldn't dream of purposefully sending anyone in there.
"It is not a single Rider that Katriana now holds captive, but two, your Grace. For as long as Gloriann remains with the Shade, Seth will not leave her side. That gives her quite the upperhand on us, even if neither of them fight for her. Beyond that, many of our Riders are young, and a number of them hold Gloriann dear to their hearts." She thought of Ian and Eva, and rumor had reach her ears that Glory's sister Talia was now bonded as well. "If word reaches them that the girl is being held against her will, neither I nor you will be able to stop them from attempting a rescue. But no. I am not here to ask for your assistance or blessing in such a thing. The children are making their own choices on this matter. Rather, I came to report to you this unexpected power that Katriana has gained. All my years, I have never heard of a Shade capable of using the spirits possessing it in such a way. If she is able to enslave Riders like this, what is to keep her from using this power to turn your own forces against you?"

[Max452]

Marek listened to the discussion closely, having learned in his time as one of Queen Nasuada's captains the importance of these political meetings. However, the more he listened to the Ancient's report, the more he had to agree with the Queen's sentiments. This Gloriann was just one rider; they could not sacrifice the lives of hundreds for one, no matter how heartless and cold it seemed to be. The protection of the many outweighed the one. However, Malevolence's words kept returning to his mind. Mal, if the Shade Rider has bound some of her spirits to the Rider, does that not mean they are interconnected in some way? Like their lives or something? Can the thrall be in turn to harm the master? He asked the spirit that he called friend as he thought more about this strange connection. He was mostly pondering to his friend, but the idea was curious. His wife had taught him to see underneath the underneath of things, something she had perfected in her time as a thief.

[Tismri]

Malevolence considered Marek's question. It was quite logical, given what he knew about it.
It is possible, he replied, considering. If the binding spell is anything like what has connected me to this armor, then it would be a life-and-death binding. As you know, if this armor is destroyed, then I will cease to exist. Or as your kind like to put it, I will pass into the void. However, given what we know of Katriana, I find it extremely unlikely she would bind herself to anyone that closely. Just as you and the queen value your men too much to rescue this one Rider, Katriana values her own existence more than any Rider under her charge. With that in mind, it is unlikely that inflicting harm on one party would damage the other. However, given someone with enough power and knowledge, such bindings can be broken. You may mention this to the others; it may help to alleviate the ancient's fears of this fate befalling more of our own men.

[Trinn]

The mere thought of having her army, or even the riders, turned against her made Nasuada chill to the bone. "You make a valid point, Rider. These affairs of magic are oft outside my realm of knowledge, though I am quite learned for not being able to perform magic myslef. I know what it is and what it does, I know somewhat more than the basics of how to use it. Like everything else it has rules." Nasuada stood and swept her skirts around her. She bowed her head to the rider, showing her every courtesy. Though she was queen, they were the ones who fought to protect the realm. With them true strength lay, and she would do everything to keep in their good graces. "Elder, if you discover anything else of value in this development, please let me know. As it is, I shall leave you to discuss it with our good friend here. I must attend to other states of affair." She bowed again, and then moved from the room. Outside, two nighthawks took guard on either side of her, to escort her wherever she needed to go next. Murtagh. She thought, murtagh, murtagh, where are you. I need you.

OOC: Nasuada knows she has no control over what happens next with this, so she peaced out, lmao.

[Max452]

Marek saluted the Queen as she exited the room, not blaming her for the departure; there wasn't much evidence or information to go on thus far. Turning back to face Rider Tismri, Marek considered what Mal had told him. Would you like to inform Rider Tismri, Mal? I'm still wrapping my head around these theories and conjectures, but it does give us something to consider. Perhaps we can use this to our advantage? Attack the Shade Rider if we somehow threaten the spirits that are controlling the young Rider? Marek continued to ponder, slightly wishing he had left with Queen Nasuada; all this talk of theories went beyond a man of action.

[Tismri]

Malevolence watched as the queen left the room. Everyone knew that there was nothing more to be done with this information. Though the thought that Katriana could manipulate others into doing her will through enslavement with spirits was a disturbing one, no answer to counteract it was immediately presentable. He heard Marek's suggestion just as Tismri was turning to leave as well, and he was glad to have received permission. He knew it was still uncomfortable for the man after all these years to release control of his body, but there were times when it had been necessary, and on a few occasions, Malevolence had even saved his life by it. Before the Rider had a chance to open the door, he took control.
"Lady Tismri, a moment, if you please." She turned and faced him for a moment, her expression cautious. The spirit could tell she knew who she was dealing with.
"Yes, spirit? What have you to say?"
"I was just informing Marek on my thought about Katriana's power. I can tell it concerns you." He had her interest, he could tell, as she gazed at him thoughtfully. "It seems it is not unlike the spell of binding which ties me to this armor. But rather than tying a spirit to an inanimate object, the spirits are instead binding Gloriann to Katriana, allowing the Shade to keep her from rebelling without having to keep a constant eye upon her."
"As I understand it, the spell that binds you to that armor is a life-bond," Tismri stated, concern on her face. "Are you suggesting that Gloriann's life is now tied to Katriana?"
"Not quite," Malevolence replied. "Though there are certain binding spells that are broken only by the destruction of one party, this type of spell would be dangerous to Katriana. For if Gloriann were to be killed, that would end her life as well. I cannot see Katriana binding her existence to the life of a young, possibly reckless Rider. Rather, I believe it is a loose bond, that can be broken without danger to the affected parties, given someone with enough wisdom and power. Someone of an age with you, perhaps."
Tismri sighed and nodded. "Even so, as the young queen has stated, we cannot afford a rescue mission. Even if we could break the bonds, we are unable to get Gloriann out of the Shade Rider's clutches."
"True, but this information should alleviate your concerns about Nasuada's people. Should they show signs of being controlled by Katriana's spirits, you can act quickly and break them without fear for their lives."
"I suppose this is true," Tismri replied, considering. "Thank you for this information, spirit. Your words do ease my mind some."
~~~~~
Teza Mae retreated from the door, dragging Pyrrha with her behind a nearby curtain when she heard footsteps. She'd successfully hidden just in time to was Queen Nasuada exit and walk down the hallway. The princess was disappointed. No one had seemed to come up with an answer to help her condition. She was about to walk away to continue her exploration of the palace when she again heard voices behind the door. She crept back and listened again to the exchange. She didn't understand everything that was being said, but from what she gathered, the man was saying that there was likely a way to break the curse that was afflicting her. If she could just tell Tismri about it...but no. How could she explain such a thing to her? The teacher wouldn't understand, and probably wouldn't believe that she had a spirit tied to her the way she'd described earlier. She backed away, thinking, wandering mindlessly to the courtyard. What would be a good way to get others to believe her? To help her?
There's nothing you can do, the voice said, and Teza Mae shook her head angrily, wishing it would just go away. She found Garrus in the courtyard, and she shared with him what she had overheard.
"Maybe...if I rescued Glory, and told her about what's been going on," she said, thinking out loud.
"Princess Teza Mae, I would advise against that idea," Pyrrha said, one of the few times she spoke her thoughts. "You've already been captured by the Shade Rider once. To go back there alone, or even with me and Garrus, you would surely get yourself killed."
It's hopeless, the whisper in her mind stated. Teza Mae grit her teeth together, trying to think.
"We'll not go alone," she stated. She retrieved Garrus' saddle and tied it on, and in a moment, she and Pyrrha were mounted.
Where to, Princess? Garrus asked as he spread his wings and took to the sky.
We're finding someone who would be willing to make a big sacrifice to save Glory. Someone who considers her family. Teza Mae had a slight distaste in her mouth. She'd had few interactions with Ian, and those she did were rarely pleasant. Even from their first meeting, she'd thought him rude, disrespectful, and beneath her attention. However, her torture had taught her a small lesson in humility, and she knew she would need help with this. We are going to find Arucane.
***
It took nearly a day of flying, questioning a few towns, and Garrus and Teza Mae both exploring the lands with their minds before they located the group of rebels lead by Einarsson. She spotted the white glimmer of Castiel's scales, and caught sight of a reddish sheen, too. Teza Mae vaguely recalled Maude, having limited her interaction with most of the other students during their days at New Doru Araeba; however, she knew that she and Ian had begun courting before the entire mess started. It seemed she and her dragon were either visiting, or perhaps had fully joined Ian's Arucane. Either way, Teza Mae knew that it couldn't hurt having an extra Rider for what she was about to suggest. Garrus landed near the group, though not among them. The princess and her guard dismounted, and Teza Mae began to search for Ian.

[Max452]

"Ian! A dragon approaches!" Fergus alerted the protector of Arucane. Ian immediately halted the training session of the new recruits as he rushed toward the edge of the camp.

"Where Fergus?" Ian asked as he secured Arucane on his back.

They're at the south side. Castiel communicated as he narrowed in on the smaller looking dragon. They don't seem to want to fight... He informed them as he watched the youngling land.

How did they find us? Ian wondered as he recalled placing wards around the camp. Perhaps he missed a spot? He gritted his teeth; he had to be more careful.

I don't know.

"Tell the men to hold, but be alert." Ian commanded.

"Aye."

Ian approached the intruders with a grim expression before he recognized the Princess of Ismalia. Oh no...what does she want? Ian's face turned grimmer as he stopped before Teza Mae; their encounters with one another had never been absolutely civil.

Perhaps they bring news from the Elders? Castiel suggested, hoping to quell Ian's attitude; he could be quite snarky sometimes.

"Rider Teza Mae." Ian's eyes flickered over to Garrus. "What brings you to Arucane?" He asked, glancing behind him to signal his men to stand down.

OOC: Sorry, not my best post...getting distracted by fooodddddd. lol

[Tismri]

Teza Mae faced Ian with a calm expression, forcing herself to be polite. Again, he seemed intent on not paying her the respect that was due to a princess. If anything, he seemed to believe that they were equals as Riders, given how he addressed her. She bit back an angry retort as her left leg suddenly stopped supporting her, and she fell against Pyrrha until she recovered, her face grim but determined.
"Rider Ian," she replied. She was not here to fight, though the spirit in her mind seemed to be trying to goad her into it. It incited her anger against him and attempted to distract her from her task at hand. "I have some information that I believe you will find extremely important, and along with that, a proposition." She crossed her arms and steadied her breathing, trying to shut out the noise of the spirit in her mind.
"I happened to overhear a meeting that Tismri was having with Queen Nasuada. It seems she has news of Gloriann." She paused, letting that sink in. She hoped it would have some sort of affect on him, and that it would be a good affect. "It seems she no longer wishes to remain in the Shade Rider's services. She wishes to return home. However, Katriana has enslaved her somehow using the spirits that possess her. She can't leave of her own volition. She needs to be rescued, but Nasuada is too afraid to send her own men to do it." She met Ian's eyes with her own. The red-tinted vision of her left eye distorted his appearance to her slightly, but she was getting used to it. She was sure he'd at least heard of her capture and torture. She let him take a good, long look at how Katriana had permanently scarred her.
"I know all too well what that Shade Rider and her loyal minions are capable of. How long will it be until Gloriann's obvious lack of loyalty grants her the same treatment I have received? Or something worse? I would...like to offer my help in her rescue. If you are willing to try."

[Trinn]

Muade had been sitting on Magda's knee, eating an apple when the man Fergus lifted a warning. Tossing the fruit behind her shoulder, Maude hastily stood and jumped up to her saddle on the red dragon's back. Nearby she spotted Ian's slightly younger cousin Talia mounting her bond as well. Stay there and watch the group. she commanded the girl. Tally looked her way sharply.

I'm a rider too. I want to see what is going on. The girl insisted. Maude did her best not to glare. Instead she dismounted and strode towards the new comers. Magda stayed to keep an eye on Tally and Erath. She knew that Ian and Castiel worried about them. In case this rider was a threat, she didn't want Tally and Erath on the front lines.

It didn't take her long to reach Ian and the newcomer. Her hand laid naturally on the hilt of her grandfathers rider sword, prepared to draw. On her opposite side sat another sword, a scimitar and not nearly as grand as the opal colored blade on her left hip. The thought of her grandfather made her feel grim. She had met the ancient rider only once, and it had been tense. His relationship with her father, Kyler, was strained at best. Yet it seemed that Sidhion was trying to make an effort to amend that relationship, with her father as well as with she herself. That was probably the reason he had given her the sword.

So it wss the Ismalian princess. Maude eyed her up and down, noting the new scars the girl sported. They looked terrible. A heavy price had been paid, a lesson the shade leader Katriana had made painfully aware. Though Teza Mae addressed Ian, Maude spoke up instead. "Queen Nasuada has every reason not to place her troops into that shade's army of hell spawn. The risk is too great. You must be delirious, Rider Teza Mae. Princess.. You plan on sneaking into that army, say just the three of us? We would be caught instantly. My God, look at your own self, woman." Maude snapped, feeling her blood rising. "That's a pretty clear warning from Katriana herself, I'd say. Come back and you die. We all die. Glory will be fine. She is smart and careful." Maude crossed her arms and grimaced. Were all princesses a little light in the head? Too much entitlement wasn't good for a person. And who was that silent woman behind her? Maude glanced at the silent woman quickly, and judged her to be a guard.

"Glory won't be fine!" Tally shouted from behind them. Maude groaned and looked over her shoulder at the young girl. Further back, Erath was trying to wrestle with Magda. Unfortunately for him he lacked experience, and he was younger. The brown dragon was pinned to the ground and Magda's snout was at his throat. "I am with you princess Teza Mae." The girl said, and strode to stand next to the Ismalian. "Glory is my sister. I will die to rescue her."

[Max452]

Ian's heartbeat quickened at Teza Mae's news. Glory wanted to be free. He had always known where she was located, given how he and his men came across information about her troops. He knew where she was, along with Seth. The only reason he didn't act was that she was at the heart of the Shade Rider army, but that did not mean he never wanted to try.

His green eyes scanned the Princess, noting her maladies with little pity, although he was sympathetic. His jaw clenched. He knew all too well how the Shade Rider's minions liked to torture people. His fingers flexed and he had to stop the urge for them to go and rub the phantom pain in his shoulder. He still had nightmares about that day, mostly about the mental torture than the physical. He had heard Teza Mae had suffered much worst, as evidenced. But, Ian had always been raised to overcome his shortcomings; to look passed the exterior of a man. He gave all equal treatment, as his parents had taught him. However, that did not mean he wanted others to suffer and the very thought of Glory being harmed by the Shade Rider boiled his blood.

Ian remained silent as Maude appeared and addressed the situation. He was glad she was here; she brought a tactful clarity to his mind. He wanted to save Glory, but with the Shade Rider and her army there, the task would be a suicidal one unless they had a sufficient plan and help. Also, Ian had a responsibility to protect Arucane, he could not leave them undefended. He was about to voice his opinions when his sneaky and very opinionated cousin interrupted. Dread filled him. Was she crazy!? He should have known she would react this way. The tension among the group grew as Ian's jaw and fists clenched in frustration. He couldn't allow her to go along with this; he couldn't risk another family member captured and hurt. He had to talk some sense into her. "Tally. We can't just barge our way in there. I want to save Glory too, but she's at the heart of the army. Maude is right; we'll be caught on sight and then killed. Even with our combined powers, we don't stand a chance!" His eyes flickered over to Teza Mae, feeling as if there was something she wasn't telling them; the Princess had never truly associated with his family. Why did she come to them and not the Order? "This is a task that requires the power of our teachers, perhaps an Ancient!" He informed his cousin, his voice rising as the feeling of inadequacy welled up in him. "Do you understand? I'm not strong enough!" He growled out; muscle tense as he finally - visibly - showed his emotions to the group. Ian suddenly realized his outburst. "We're not strong enough." He amended in a quieter tone, not wanting his insecurities to be displayed as memories of his torture and Arucane's near capture flickered across his mind.

[Tismri]

Teza Mae gave Ian a long, hard stare, her eyes not wavering even as Maude spoke of her disapproval. She had to get him to agree to this. Somehow. She was rather surprised when a girl she hadn't met before came and stood by her side.
"Ian, are we not Riders? Have we not been joined through the same ancient magic to our life-long companions? We have within us the same power our teachers hold. Look at all you have accomplished so far." She set her jaw for a moment and gazed at Maude. Did she have any family? Any sisters or brothers or cousins?
"I have family as well, Ian. If I knew my brother, or my cousins Thane, Tatiana, or Tylon were being held against their will, I would let nothing stop me from rescuing them. Family is the first companionship we know. Without them, life becomes much more difficult." She trembled slightly for a moment. She had gotten captured while looking for Tatiana, and she still had no idea where she was.
"Do you think the threat to our lives are any less if we do not attempt to rescue Gloriann? Katriana is coming, whether you are willing to see that or not. Her army is preparing to march on Alagaesia, and from there she will take control of all the lands beyond. If you don't think you have the strength to face her army now, what makes you think you'll have the strength to face her when she marches on us? When she commands Gloriann to kill you? Or do you plan on hiding away and letting our teachers fight and die as Katriana becomes ever stronger? Whether you fight now or later or not at all, Katriana will want you...all of us, dead. So why not show her that we can best her? If we manage to rescue Gloriann, it will prove that she is not as powerful as she wants everyone to believe."

[Trinn]

Maude took a step forward, but resisted the urge of reaching out and shaking this Ismalian princess. "The risk is far less if we do not rescue Glory! You're a mad woman to think otherwise. When Katriana decides to strike, the strength of our entire order will be ready. We will gather and meet the threat head on, together. The ancients will fight the shade rider, and the rest of us will fight the shades. And how dare you accuse Ian of being a coward. What do you know of courage, princess? I see you think you knew, by the marks Katriana left on you. That's not courage, that's recklessness." Maude turned her burning eyes on Tally.

"And you, so eager to die. I suppose you all think I'm heartless, and maybe I am. But it will keep me alive. True I have no siblings, but that doesn't mean I don't have people that I love." And she looked at Ian, her eyes softening a little. "This girl is mad, Ian. We cannot save Glory, no matter how bad we might want to. Your cousin made her choice, and now she must bear the consequences." Maude couldn't understand the rage that had built within her. The very idea of Ian marching into Katriana's camp made her sick to her stomach. She imagined him being tortured again, him and Castiel, and then ultimately a cruel death. That was what Teza Mae was suggesting they do. Walk into a den of death. Maude would not let Ian be taken from her like that.
~~~

Tally felt tears welling up in her eyes as Maude yelled at her. She wasn't eager to die! She just wanted Glory back, so that her father and her mother didn't have to be sad anymore. So that her family could be one step closer to hole again. Her eyes looked past Maude, to where Erath was pinned to the ground under Magda. It was a kinder image of what would happen if she and Erath did enter the shade armies camp. Her lip began to quiver dangerously. She bit it to try and keep from crying.

[Max452]

A flash of irritation flickered across Ian's emerald eyes at Teza Mae's accusations. How dare she? How dare she assume that he would sit idly by! That he did not desire to save those he held so dear to his heart! She knew NOTHING about him. Did she not understand the gravity their situation? How naivee and selfish could she possibly be? In that moment he wanted to yell out his emotions, but it seemed, Maude beat him to it. He inhaled sharply, allowing Maude's words to shower the whole group. Seeing her eyes soften, mingled with the distraught look in his cousin's eyes, tore the fight from Ian's heart. "Maude." He gently chided, before stepping forward to address the two younger Riders; his hand lightly and discreetly grazing Maude's in order to assure her that he appreciated her words and that she would not be angry with him.

"You truly do not understand the role of leadership do you?" Ian's voice penetrated the air as he displayed the burdens of his assumed role. "Do you so strongly disrespect the lives of those you hold dear?" He continued. "Do not mistake my desire to save my family." His voice was hard, but soft as he stared upon Teza Mae. "We are Riders, yes. We possess powers that only others can ever possibly dream of. But that does not mean that we are immortal or without faults, Princess. It is that type of arrogance that will lead to our downfall!" He watched her carefully, again wondering why she was so insistent on rescuing Glory. "I want to save Glory, but I recognize that I am incapable of doing so on my own! And I trust in Glory to know that I will do everything in my power to rescue her and that I will not do it so recklessly that she will have the unimaginable guilt of having my blood on her hands!" His voice rose, but he did not yell. "I will not throw her life away for some selfish ideal to play hero! Nor will I risk the lives of others in selfish quests!"

He glanced over at Maude, recalling his own torture for a moment, "Those I hold dear know that if I were ever captured, that I would rather risk my own death than have them rescue me." His gaze then turned to Tally and with a gentler tone, continued. "But if there were ever a possibility of rescue, then I would trust them to seek the appropriate aid and not blindly sacrifice themselves. And I know that Glory would want that too." He finally settled his green eyes upon Teza Mae once more. "We are at war with something far more powerful and sinister than Galbatorix ever was. It is far more imperative that we not underestimate the enemy. I have seen what happens when we do so and those lives will forever be on my hands; I will not risk them so needlessly again. I am responsible for those under my care and therefore I must understand my own weaknesses and strengths. And I understand them enough to know that if we go there now, to the heart of the Shade Rider's army, that we would die. Are you so eager to prove yourself that you would risk not only your life but the lives that follow you?" He watched her once more before finally asking the one question that had begun to crop up during his tirade. "Why are you pushing us to save Glory so harshly?"