"Why did we have to stay behind?" Brando could not help speaking up as he questioned Xide.
Xide looked Brando up and down and said, "Simple. Someone has to protect the wounded."
"Then why us two?" Brando continued.
He was not stupid. He knew perfectly well that going along with the group was far safer than staying behind. After all, if pursuers caught up with them once they stayed behind, they would be as good as dead.
Richard was equally puzzled. As Wizard Apprentices, he and Brando could be far more useful if they went along. Staying behind would only waste fighting strength. Xide should have understood that. And if he did understand, why was he doing this? Could he have sensed that Richard had another purpose? But he had not exposed any flaws...
As Richard kept turning it over in his mind, Brando spoke again, saying to Xide, "I agree that leaving people behind to protect the wounded is necessary, but surely there are better choices than the two of us? We're Wizard Apprentices. We can cast spells well enough, but we're no good at treating the injured.
"Besides, our original duty was to protect Miss Annie. That was also one of the conditions under which we served the Pombo Family. Now you want the two of us to stay here. I believe I have the right to refuse."
"So you insist on going with us to seek reinforcements?" Xide looked at Brando and asked gravely.
"Of course." Brando stood firm. "Unless you can give me a reason I cannot refuse."
"A reason you cannot refuse? Fine. Since you want one, I'll give you one." Xide stepped closer and stared straight at Brando. "I suspect you might be a spy. That is why I do not want to take