Eldrie creeps into the dilapidated throne room, hours later. There, he finds Barns and Maria, resting side by side, kneeling on the desiccated carcass.
Osmond lingers nearby, but he makes no attempt to interfere. He can see as well as anyone what occurred in the throne room.
Eldrie's eyes lock onto the spectacular, stony visage of Clancy. He saw from far away, of course - but staring the monolithic guardian right in the face like this was another thing entirely.
"Barns, the…"
Eldrie's shoulders drooped. Did he have any right to step in?
The young hero's eyes lidded up, glowing blue in the dark shadow cast over his face.
It shocks Eldrie. He'd certainly never seen Barns' eyes glowing before. He wonders if the hero has unlocked a new power.
"Resurrection didn't work," Barns says quietly. "I knew it wouldn't, but I had to try."
Eldrie sighs. "Barns, the castle isn't safe. The damage -"
