Chapter 10

Dave wasn't home, if you could call it like that, when the blue-eyed master woke the next time. A quick glance to the wall proclaimed 1 PM and made him groan. He found it shocking on top of it, not that he'd overslept a big deal – usually he woke around 8am – but also that he hadn't even heard Dave leave. Either the youth's stealth skills had improved a lot – unlikely – or he, Balthazar, had slept deep enough to be an easy target if there had been enemies around. This was quite unsettling to say the least.. no more pizza. Slowly, as not to provoke a vertigo, he sat up, one hand combing through the hair in an attempt to solve this dilemma.

So he'd overslept, what about it?

Today his apprentice would do his final exams. And he still had not a single clue on how to test him on sorcery. Yesterday he'd been tired and lazy, not to mention full, he realized. It wouldn't be fair to Dave to take his chance of mastership after all they'd gone through. If he was to test him though, he'd have to do it soon or they'd have to wait another year. That is, because they'd have to do it in a certain night of a certain month. Dave of course didn't know any of this, how could he anyway, it was all his master's problem. And that one didn't know what to do with a boy who'd get eaten alive by a pack of wolves or a hungry bear.

What if he just declared Dave to be a master since he had beaten Morgana herself?

That sounded not too bad. After all, you couldn't expect just any apprentice to go and beat the enemy leader on themselves. Without a ring not to mention. Using the enemy's own spell to save one of the apprentice's allies. If viewed from this angle, Dave truly had proven his powers that day. His strength symbolised everything the Merlineans stood for. Not the power of their magic, but skill and intellect. Dave would be a worthy sorcery master. There was no need for some stupid fight to the death or brain-wrenching test sheets after all. Dave wouldn't get around a little sparring though, that was a matter of fact.

With that solved, the man felt younger by a big degree and stretched his numbed limbs with a joyful groan before heading into the kitchen. A quick breakfast – more like lunch – was taken, the sour milk disposed off and the dishes washed and put away. It was then, Balthazar noticed just how quiet it was without a fidgeting apprenice complaining about having not enough free time or something. He didn't have anything else to do right now and it annoyed him. Boredom wasn't something he could just adapt to. Customers weren't likely to approach the still completely empty store, so watching it wasn't a viable option. He of course could sit on the counter and wait for the world to fall apart, but there had to be better ways to pass the time, right?

Then an idea hit him like a flying stone. Of course, why not. With a smile the elder raised his ringed hand, conjured his hat and coat, slipped both over and glided down the stairs. The front door opened on itself for him and closed behind him as he left his beloved store. Outside, it was a bright day. The sun had decided to give her best to enlight New York's streets. Some passants passed the old sorcerer without paying much attention to anything. Just as usual. Passants never tended to see the world around them. In fact, one could be run over and most would either walk on faster or stare at the accident. People these days.. Slightly shaking his head to clear said one, Balthazar followed the sidewalk to the corner beyond which his car was parked. He'd pay NYU's library another visit. Not that there weren't other libraries in New York, but unlike those, NYU's was mostly tidy and – more important – always quiet. Ironically, no kids would be shouting about the hallways. There'd be no nasty fast-food stench in the air, even if it was prohibited in both libraries but only NYU actually pulled through with it. And, of course, the choice of books went into a more educational direction than the city library. They'd taken the attitude of offering more comics these days, some classics had been sorted out, a few modern guide books had taken their place. Not so NYU's. In fact, he'd found a very special book last time he'd been there and was about to claim it another time to finish it.

Softly humming, since he was in a rather good mood after solving the problems, he rounded the corner and stroked the Phantom's hood to be greeted with a gentle purr. Smiling at the vehicle and moving to get in, he felt a sharp pang. He suddenly missed Veronica. Doing so had been part of his daily routine by now, but for a second, he really wished he could bicker with her once more. Tell her how he loved her. Listen to her quarrels with Dave. Just spend some quality time with her. Good grief, he'd even take the risk of trying to explain her how the world worked today to get stuck with it weeks at once just so he could be close to her once more! It churned on his insides like worms. When had he last felt like this?

But she was gone for good this time.. If Aiden had told the truth, and things were pointing out that a messenger was unable to lie, he wouldn't find her. At least not now. Spending more than a few centuries, he'd gotten experienced with looking for unborn people. It just didn't pay off. He wasn't sure if he could wait for her to step into his store like Dave did back ten years ago, maybe she'd never appear here, maybe she wasn't even on the same continent anymore. He was back to ground zero, if he was true to himself. There went his good mood.

A sigh escaped him, as he slipped into the car and closed the door behind him. The engine was already running and waiting for it's master to give commands. Directing it mentally to bring him to NYU, he leaned back into the seat, the steering wheel still held firm with both hands, even if his thoughts were drifting off to long gone times.

Finally the hell on earth had ended.

Not that he'd had problems with the questions. Physics always had come easily to him, nearly as natural as breathing itself. He felt dead-tired anyways and was glad this day would be over soon, with him under lots of bed sheets and on top of cuddly cushions.

Dave Stutler officially wanted to have a nap. Right here and now.

But it wasn't gonna happen. Becky had come out of her english and law exams shortly after him – how she'd managed in such a short time was a mystery to Dave – and just had to invite him to celebrate their graduation beforehand in a nearby café. While the boy had gladly refused and just thrown himself into the next subway and go home, he wouldn't ever do that to the girl he'd needed ten years to conquer. Blowing up one date would have to do for the rest of both their lives. No need to add further negative points to his account.

So they went out of the university, Becky beaming and telling Dave how well it all went and just how excited she was, asking him how he did and demanding answer when he didn't reply instantly, laughing happily when he told her how he thought he'd probably blown it.

Come to think of it, if he had, he pretty much would be blown. Up in that case. Scratching his backhead nervously he joined his girlfriend's laughter as he followed her across the main street.

As they finally reached Becky's favorite café, they took seats and ordered ice cream for the both of them. For a while there was silence between them, until Becky softly swallowed the sweet, cool soft-ice and looked at Dave expectantly. Said one blinked twice, mumbling something in the manner of "What?", which in turn gave him another of Becky's bell-like laughters.

"Just wondering.. what're you gonna do now, Dr. Stutler?", she said, not without making sure he knew she wasn't mocking him by smiling sweetly.

"Oh.. don't know.. probably going to stay at my uncle's a bit longer.."

"Ah.. your uncle. Thought we could move together or something.. now that we're expecting a child..", she said the last words like an irrelevant fact, but they did get Dave's attention immediately. In fact, it was so sudden that he coughed on the icecream and needed a few seconds of intense cold in his throat to get a grip again. He had forgotten. Like, totally. It didn't go past Becky unnoticed.

"You did hear me right, Dave Stutler. You and I are going to be parents."
"I'm so sorry Becky.. I.."
"Yeah, I know. Lots of stuff going on recently. I understand."

For a moment, neither spoke. Then it was Dave.

"Listen Becky.. I want you to know I'm happy! I really look forward to our child.."
"But?"
"I'm not sure I'm ready yet."
"Oh."
"We both just graduated.. Do you think we could properly care for her?"
"Wait.. how do you.. nevermind. Alright then, what shall I do? Abort?"
"No no no no no, that's not-.."
"No it's fine. It's just our child, isn't it." With that she stood and was about to go.

"Please.."

Becky gave him a good long stare, then proceeded to sit back down. Neither she nor he wanted this. But to be fair; he wasn't quite wrong either. She'd be busy. Her parents had already put her under the care of a famous lawyer for further education. She wouldn't be seeing Dave for weeks on end. How would she even raise a baby? Also, as she watched her future husband, he looked deep in thought himself.

"What is it?"
"Wondering how Balthazar will take the news of me leaving."
"Aren't you living with him right now? Maybe he'll be glad?"
"I don't know about that.. he's been strange lately.."
"So.. you don't like to move out yet? Wanna wait until she is born, right?"
"It's not a matter of liking or not."
"Oh. Well then."

With that she stood - again -, gave her loved one a good-bye kiss and was gone, just like that. For a second Dave thought she was angry; but relaxed when she stopped, turned around and waved before disappearing into the crowd.

A while later Dave jumped out the subway, feeling light and altogether awesome. He felt like he could move mountains when he wanted to! Ignoring the part amused, part annoyed stares of the few by-passengers, he rushed up the steps out of the subway, then slendered along the street walk, rounded a few corners and found the Arcana Cabana soon enough. The small bell rang as he stepped in and closed the door softly behind him. It was then he immediately knew something was off. Even for the usually dead-silent store, it was a little too quiet. Strange and hard to describe, a certain chill was amiss. Gulping hard the youth slowly went forwards, prepared for whatever may happen.

"Balthazar?", he whispered, not exactly knowing why he didn't shout. After all, his master deserved to know of his presence, right? Who was he fooling, Balthazar probably already knew he was there and waited for his apprentice to step right into a well schemed trap. Dave stalked around the place, always on his guard and watching out for a soft sizzling of a charging plasma bolt, or some kind of furniture that set out to get him, or a whiff of flame.. When it became clear the elder wasn't home, Dave frowned and stood up-right, one-handedly scratched his head in obvious confusion. Something irritated him though. He thought he could feel something in the air...

"Hello, Dave", suddenly was said by someone behind him, making the apprentice first jump hard, then turn around sharply and blanch the instant he recognized the figure. Horvath's face would be the last thing he'd see though before a sharp pain in his stomach knocked the winds out of him and made the world darken to a pitch-black.

Balthazar mentally cursed himself. He'd pledged to himself to not get involved into books like this again. Much too dangerous, if you were one of the most hunted sorcerers in history, in short, him. But given the fact that it was a particular captivating book, he'd found himself unable to put it aside, reassuring his mind that Dave was perfectly capable of getting home on his own. He'd probably gone and invited his girlfriend to an icecream or something anyway.

So when the old master was on his way home from NYU's library, he didn't think much of it when he found foot prints in front of the store. It didn't particular surprise him there were two different sets of them, since he'd ordered Dave to use his sorcerer shoes more regulary, in case he'd have to defend himself, not without reminding him how the rubber sole of sneakers compromised the current and pretty much crippling his magic. It had seemed to scare the youth a big deal - maybe Balthazar shouldn't have glared at him like that either – so Balthazar guessed Dave had learned his lesson and had not taken the sneakers. Those would be more Rebecca's part, and seeing that particular combination meant Dave had brought his girlfriend. Finally some progress in their relationship, eh? Silently smiling the elder shook his head. He'd leave the young ones to themselves if they had decided to make love or something. After all, he'd been young somewhere in literal ancient times too, so he knew when to step back a little. For now, he unlocked the door – strange enough it was locked in the first place – and stepped inside without a sound.

Everything was dark, which wasn't surprising, since it already was pretty late and slowly getting dark as well. The boy probably was in bed already, recovering from a day of stress. He didn't blame him if he was. Balthazar was just about to approach the living quarters, as his eyes caught sight of something bright on the floor. It wasn't just the color. The object itself glowed a little to make it clearly visible against the dark. Picking it up, it turned out to be a letter.

As he read, he found another thing; he'd been wrong all along. There had been no Becky here today. And he'd have a word with Dave about using the wrong foot wear.

I have your boy.

Come to the address below and bring the watch.
No tricks, no police. Otherwise I will give the Prime Merlinean a private learning session in history.

Sincerely, Maxim

Below it, an address somewhere outside Manhattan. Balthazar smiled wryly at the last line before it. Those two words in the same sentence was blasphemy of the written word. Horvath had once been sincere, that's right, but now it just reeked like a trap. What really unsettled the elder though was the last part of the second sentence. If Horvath knew about the watch, what else did he know? And, maybe more important, what did he scheme? No, latter was obvious enough.

Could he risk to try to fool Horvath? Usually, there was no problem with that. But since the old dog knew about his secret, he had that cursed deathgod with him. If he went and brought a less life-depending watch, Aiden would tell him and that might be just the end of Dave. He didn't want to risk that. For the latter option, he didn't put much hope into it. Human police never tended to be of much use in situations they weren't trained for. And a duel between sorcerers certainly wasn't part of the training program. Neither was facing literal death.

Balthazar threw a side-glance to the small chest the watch was in. It would be save and sound until the world crumbled apart if he stayed here now. Dave, on the other hand, wouldn't.

When the master left his store, the chest was empty.

Horvath glanced down on his prisoner. The youth was "resting" on a stretchbank, which stood in the very center of this large storage hall Horvath had taken refuge in. How he had found it would be a mystery forever, for he wasn't about to spill this particular information. This time, he had made no mistakes, so he thought. He'd taken the Prime Merlinean's ring and hid it in his coat. Horvath didn't really think this boy already had the power to cast magic without his ring and deemed the whole ordeal back then as one huge coincidence.

Alright then, it probably wasn't luck to begin with. After all, Morgana had been beaten by that boy who still was unconscious and in his mercy. He knew how the ancient witch would react if she found out what he was doing – holding the most dangerous Merlinean captive instead of ripping him apart – and feared her wrath. Oh, how he looked forward to telling his once-friend that all his efforts had been in vain? And even more, that he killed the little russian witch by involving her? Ooh yes, that'd be a pleasure. Luckily, the fool wouldn't waste time. That apprentice was his ultimate weakspot. Good for Horvath, since he hadn't known how to lure out the old boy otherwise..

"He should be here soon, Sir", said Aiden beside Horvath, making him flinch and glare at the messenger.

"I know, you fool. No need to scare me like that."
"Forgive me."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just remember our plan, will ya? When Blake enters this hall, tell me if he has the watch with him. I can't take any risks on him doing his tricks again. Morgana will be furious if we fail here. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Very well. Disappear at once now. And make for some surprising sudden arrival."
"Yes, Sir."

With that, Aiden was gone. Just like that. That though was the moment the doorways burst open with a crash, revealing a pretty much boiling Balthazar, who glared into the dim room, obviously unable to spot Horvath from there. Latter watched as the other slowly stepped into the hall, careful and untrusting. Then, suddenly, it seemed he'd seen the stretchbank and approached it with firm steps, just to stop a few paces from it, glaring at Horvath.

"Here I am, Horvath. Let Dave go."
"I don't think you're in any position to make demands, old boy. With a snap of my fingers, I can dislocate your beloved students joints to the point that the limbs are ripped off. You know how this tool works."
"You lost your magic, Horvath. Snapping your fingers won't do a thing."
"What makes you so sure, old boy?"

As if to prove it, the man lifted one hand, fingers pressed tightly together, ready to make the dreadful sound. Balthazar tried to not show the panic that rised and threatened to take over, failing more with each passing second. Horvath saw that and gave a crocodile like grin.
"Oh, I see. Playing the hero, huh, old boy? Not this time. One move and your boy will be parted. Give me the watch. And your ring."
"Never."
"Oh? I think you didn't quite hear me."

With that, he snipped, and much to Balthazar's horror, the device started moving, pulling on Dave's limbs, effectively calling the youth back to consciousness. Shock and pain made him cry out, which in turn made his master flinch. Latter threw a warning glare at Horvath, who just kept smiling cooly. "Don't do this. Can't we talk?"
"Do what I say, old boy, and your apprentice is free to go. If you don't.."

And again, Horvath lifted his hand, enjoying the panic stricken look on his counterpart's face. He knew what was about to be said next, but was loving the situation too much to prematurely speak. Neither did he lower his hand. Oh, how Balthazar would've loved to blast the man to oblivion.. But knowing Horvath, he likely had a backup plan of sorts in case he got the usual treatment. The merlinean didn't want to take that risk.

"Please.."

"Speak louder, old boy. It's hard to hear you over the sounds of dislocating joints!"

Growling, Balthazar tried to ignore the mechanical squieking and sickening cracking. It was impossible to blend out Dave's cries though. The boy would have hellish nightmares from this, Balthazar knew and he blamed himself for it. If he just hadn't...

"Balthazar, you shouldn't be daydreaming. I'm growing impatient here. If you don't obey soon..."
"Wait..!"
"Oh?"

"Take it.", Balthazar said through clenched teeth, taking off his castor ring. As soon as the metal left his finger, he felt his power decline to zero. Horvath motioned him to lay it on the floor and he did. As the other took the jewelry up, Balthazar knew he'd just made a mistake. This impression worsened as Horvath smiled even broader as he put the ring on his own finger and pointed it at its original owner.

The impact was hard enough to throw him against the next wall. As Balthazar sank down to the floor, he felt the energy of a plasma bolt coursing through him, stunning his very moves. A groan escaped his lips and he hated himself for it. The soft clack of pointy shoes approached him. He looked up to find Horvath standing before him, staring down on him.

"You forgot something, old boy."
"I don't know what you mean!"
"The watch, old boy. The very same you stole as you escaped death."
"There is no such watch."
"Alright then, old boy. Up to you who suffers!"

When Dave cried out even louder, Balthazar reached under his coat, revealing the golden pocket watch. He knew he was shaking with fear. And he knew it showed. He knew it from Horvath's winning expression, as he took the chronometer. "Interesting. So while this thing exists, I can do virtually anything to you and you won't die.. Quite interesting indeed, old boy. I'm a man of my word though."

With that, he snipped again, this time the leather bindings around Dave's wrists and ankles loosened and let the traumatized youth fall to the ground with a thump, just to lie there shivering. It pained his master to see the apprentice in that state. Of course, this didn't go past Horvath. "It seems he won't be able to walk for now. Fine. Let him see your demise."

Bracing himself, Balthazar felt the grip of a levitation spell tuck on his clothing, lifting him up. A sharp force mixed in and threw him across the room once more. As it was though, Horvath always had been a bad marksman. So the thrown man hit the wall head first, was out cold in the moment of the impact and of course didn't move anymore after sacking to the ground. Horvath snorted. This wasn't supposed to happen. But then another idea hit his mind.

The watch was in his hands in seconds.

Intense pain sickered into the darkness of Dave's cloudy mind. Then he heard someone cry out, realization settling in all too quickly. He knew that voice! Slowly opening his eyes against the dim but still blinding light he tried to stiffle a moan, as the numb feeling of bloodless limbs made itself known in addition to the cold of the ground. When sight finally became clear, he pushed himself to his elbows and dared to throw a glance around.

The first thing he saw; His ringless hand. This made him gulp. Great time to be without defense. Balthazar would be so proud of him now.

Second; Horvath. He hated that guy by now.

Third; The watch Horvath held in his hand and an emeraldly glowing ring on the fat man's ring finger. Electricity of plasma bolts filled the air and centered around the watch. Following the hated man's amused glare Dave flinched. With all energy he could muster, the apprentice called out to his master, who still was on the ground, writhing in obvious pain and holding his chest with both hands. Dave didn't believe the man had heard him. The youth pushed himself up to his feet and staggered a little from the effort, finally catching Horvath's attention.

"Oh, good morning, Prime Merlinean. As you see, I'm a little busy right now. Go, before I change my mind", the bearded sorcerer said and turned his gaze on his victim again. Dave though wasn't about to leave. While Horvath didn't look, he started running and then jumped right into the overweighted man, who toppled over in surprise to fall with a heavy thump to the ground, the watch sliding out his hand, Dave ontop of him and a curse on the elder's lips before they heard the soft tick of the falling dragon ring as it hit the ground. Dave made a run for it and, before Horvath even had the time to react, put it on and sent a time displacement spell at the elder.

With the enemy incapacitated for the moment, the apprentice ran over to his master who had recovered just enough to glare at him for not running away when he was told to. But then the Merlinean's gaze softened by a fraction as he sat up slowly and carefully, still somewhat panting and supported by the youth's hand on his shoulders. Good grief, he felt like an old man for real this time! Each and every bone and muscle protested against the movement and he felt himself shaking from both, weakness and anger. To make matters worse, he felt sick to the stomach, but wasn't about to give in to that!

"Don't.. turn your back on.. the enemy..", he coughed and knew he'd fallen over if it hadn't been for Dave. No way he was about to fight any battle for the foreseeable future. His apprentice would have to do this on his own. Trying to reduce the shame upon his person, he shifted a little until he sat with his back to the wall, which was less embarrassing as support. Besides, Dave had a task to complete. He nodded in Horvath's direction. The Morganian had finally broken free from the spell and turned at Dave with an angry look on his snarling face, not unlike the bull from Battery Park. Balthazar's ring on his hand shone even brighter and formed a dark ball of unknown matter. Dave stared at it for a moment before he sprinted off, always followed by Horvath's hate distorted glare as the elder turned to match Dave's every move. When the youth finally stood, he sent the sphere on its way. As he'd expected, it shattered on the force field around the younger sorcerer and dissolved into nothing.

"Ah, I see. So you haven't played around with daddy all day, hm?", Horvath sneered and the word daddy was enough to irritate Dave for precious few seconds which were barely but surely enough for two fireballs to connect and send the youth across the room, backwards into a stack of crates which tumbled over and buried the youth under them. To latter's luck though, they'd been empty. Soon afterwards they crumbled into microscopic small splinters, avoiding their creator and fluttering to the ground like snow.

Dave'd been busy for too long though, as ice spears made their way into his direction. Based on pure instinct he conjured a wall of flames which melted the ice as it passed through it, so only a few droplets of water actually hit Dave without causing damage. Horvath seemed a bit stupored, if not scared, as his enemy slowly stood and approached him.

"You've hurt my friends. Repeatedly."

Horvath visibly paled and backed off, as he saw the dark look in the youth's eyes. The headlights used this moment to go sizzling off and turn the hall into a damn sinister place. As Dave lifted his ringed hand, the glow reflected brightly green in his eyes.

"And you tried to kill me. Again, repeatedly."

With each word the young Merlinean stepped closer, while a dim glow in his hand slowly grew into a fantastic bright ball of concentrated matter. It crackled with power and little sparks flew from it. Horvath felt a wall in his back and swallowed hard. Was there even a way to avoid it? He thought hard and tried to push back the panic registering in his mind. When his enemy – more like executioner at this rate – again spoke, the elder felt his confidence crumble.

"Do you really think I could let you go after what you did today?"
"Y-you won't kill me! I once fought with your ... your.. your friend over there! We were allies!"

"That has been ages ago, Horvath", Balthazar mixed in from the background. It didn't sound as if he even cared which further terrified the already horrified Horvath.

"Isn't very Merlinean of you, is it?", he finally dared to spit out. That remark had hit a nerve. Dave stood, visible irritated and confused, even enough to turn around to his master, who couldn't quite believe what his stupid apprentice was doing there. Before he could bark a warning, it was already too late. Dave never saw the smirk on Horvath face as the elder commanded his ally to attack. The blade ran right through Dave, impaling him from the back. Neither did Horvath ever see his enemy fall, because the overpowered plasma bolt made for a run in that second and impacted on the old sorcerer with might, rippling right through him and stopping his heart in an instant.

When the lights came back on, both laid on the ground. No sight of Aiden. Only two motionless men, one with wide open eyes and a look of disbelieve on his features, the other bleeding from a wound that reached from his shoulderblades to the chest. Latter though was still breathing, which encouraged Balthazar to stand – again, every fiber of his battered body made itself known, only this time he pushed it to the back of his mind – and stagger over to his apprentice. As he reached him, he snatched the ring from Horvath's dead hand and put it onto his own finger again, for now disregarding the watch which could be picked up later. Promptly the jewel began to shine in a clearer hue as if glad to be home again. It wasn't much appreciated though. Knowing it was futile, Balthazar started to heal Dave's wound, only to find the youth smile up at him in a slighty contorted way.

"How did I do? Have I... graduated?"

"You did well, Dave. I'm proud of you. "

A soft chuckle and something that probably was supposed a winning smile. "Unfair..", Dave then said, finding the older of them frown in confusion. "Now.. that I become.. a dad.. I won't see the kid.."

"You're not dying yet. You will see your kid." What was he even saying? The pool of blood didn't stop growing even while the wound had closed already! A wound caused by a messenger.. it didn't just heal after all. The proof was Dave's steadily more paling face as the youth slowly closed his eyes, feeling tired all of a sudden.

"Dave, you got to stay awake, hear me?"
"So tired.. and cold.."
There was more frustration and probably a big degree of fear behind it when Balthazar cast a warmth spell over the youth, who sighed in relief.

"Thank you.. now I'm just sleepy."
"Do not close your eyes", the elder ordered with forced composure, but it was already to late. He'd have to be a fool to not recognize the signs of death approaching. After all, he'd seen many people die in the past one thousand two hundred fifty-one years. When Dave spoke, his voice sounded raspy and weak.

"Is that... my ancestor?", he asked, pointing at something only Dave could see. It frightened his master – or mentor, whatever – witless as he turned around to face that direction and he saw absolutely nothing. But Dave just went on.

"Looks like it.. that white beard.. Merlin comes.. to get me..?"

"Dave..", Balthazar warningly growled, but it sounded as weak as Dave.

".. sorry.."

With that and a heavy sigh of relieve, his apprentice went limp and Balthazar knew it now for sure. The youth he'd fought with against Morgana, that little boy who had stepped into his store eleven years ago, the very same person he'd pledged to protect;

Was dead.