Richard spoke to Cassiopeia's back, his words quiet and measured.
"Dear lady, I already know powerless. Maybe I was more than a spear carrier. Maybe I spent a good part of the war behind enemy lines, saving those of ours I could, killing theirs when I was able. But I was unable to be everywhere, every time. I couldn't save them all, I couldn't kill them all. I buried friends, yes. And two cousins, a brother, his betrothed, and their unborn child. I buried the woman I loved. If there is another wizarding war, I will find a way to return. Until then, no man can judge me more harshly than I judge myself."