Lucian found Alistair on the eastern wall just after dawn.
The older man stood with his hands resting on the stone, watching the light crawl across the distant hills. He didn't turn when Lucian approached.
"You're leaving," Alistair said.
"Yes."
"To Marc and Silas."
"They're buying us time. I should be there." Lucian leaned against the wall beside him. "Evelyn is safe. The kids are recovering. Lucy has Althea. There's nothing more for me to do here that someone else can't handle."
Alistair was quiet for a while. "The Outer Gods won't make it easy."
"They never do."
"And if the Warden comes while you're gone?"
Lucian looked out at the horizon. "Then the keep holds. You've held worse lines."
Alistair almost smiled. It didn't reach his eyes. "Go. I'll keep them breathing until you get back."
Lucian nodded once and walked away.
