He didn't say ow, this time, at least, even though the strike burned with pain. He planted the butt of his spear on the floor, keeping him upright.

"No. Of course you didn't. But you've never particularly understood why I stayed, so I shouldn't be surprised." It was unfair, really, and he would feel bad about saying it later, even though it was true. The Inquisitor had told him, about Cassandra's warnings about him, all those ages ago. And though he counted her a friend now, the idea that he was only bound to them through the Inquisitor--

He turned, taking a breath, and another stance again. "You - all of you- are the closest thing I currently have to a family," he said a little stiffly. "I'm not about to abandon you now."