"Because you wouldn't work with me. None of you will. We need to know how Tarn works if we are thinking we can ever fight him. But no one's doing anything." He feels like a broken record, and the only one trying to do anything but hide.

Stupid. Really. He glowers at Ambulon, and then at Wing, who doesn't seem to be disagreeing with that assessment.

"Then," he says, trying to master his emotion, "I'll take it off. Leave it here." He reaches behind him, hand closing over the Great Sword's hilt.