"No, duke!" Quintus stopped. A few soldiers did as well.
"Do not stop! Keep going!" Duke Alfredo yelled. "This is an order, do not make me sacrifice in vain."
Quintus gritted his teeth. He then told the others, "Let's go!"
Everyone resumed their run again.
Duke Alfredo dual cast spells with both hands. A row of earth walls was erected on his two sides, forcing the chasing enemies to go through him if they wanted to continue their chase. He then prepared another spell. As he did, someone came to his side.
It was Laurent. Although Duke Alfredo was displeased that someone still stayed behind, he was not surprised to find the person to be his old friend.
"You shouldn't have stayed," Duke Alfredo said to him.
"I've promised Isabelle that I will keep you safe. I intend to keep that promise," Laurent replied.
Alfredo sighed. "I hope she didn't blame us both for not returning."
"As I said, I intend to keep my promise," Laurent said.