[Her comment about the older boys strikes a pang of dread, immediately superseded by the closer issue of the Chosen, unintentionally identified by the children. The second Kratos focuses any degree of attention on her, the familiarity of her mana signature takes his breath away.

[He wants to follow up on that comment, the one about the older boys -- but --]

Damn it!

[He calls telepathically for some of his guards, two for the Chosen and then one for every two of the students -- and the teacher -- and looks back at the latter.]

I've called for guards. They'll defend her out, and the rest of you, if you follow -- but you have to hurry. The cannons will be able to fire again soon, and they won't care about the Chosen.

[That was the only saving grace; the cannons' recharge time.]