Maximus spoke in a voice filled with emotion. “That barbarian helped the princess get here. I know he is her savior. If, as the Tower Master says, the Lutein Kingdom has been overtaken by something, then he’s the one who warned us to prepare. Even though it annoyed me to be treated like some errand boy, I understood his value.”0

His face showed clear irritation, and there was a strong sense of refusal directed toward Ketal. He continued, “But now I just cannot figure it out. Who is this barbarian that he’s meddling in such a critical matter?”0

“Maximus—” Barbosa spoke, but was interrupted by Maximus.0

“Yes, I know it’s what the Tower Master wants. But that doesn’t mean I have to accept it.” Maximus was visibly annoyed. “Why is everyone so focused on that barbarian?”0

“Hm,” the Tower Master interjected, nodding. “Ah, so you weren’t here at the time.”0

Maximus hadn’t been around when Barbosa spoke of Ketal with the Tower Master. From his point of view, it was impossible to understand Ketal’s significance.0

“You...0