[Though not irritated by Bastien's qualification of his opinion, it does seem to make Benedict tired, his eyes dropping toward the floor once again as he hears it.]

I won't deny that mages are dangerous, [he says in a low voice,] I learned from some of the best. I was... well I was dosed with magebane for a reason, at least the first time I was below.

[He purses his lips, pausing a moment before continuing.]

But I was... I fought with Riftwatch in the Battle of Ghislain. I was in a whole crowd of mages casting at the enemy, and I still got a sword through the gut. The timing was bad, it happened at the moment my barrier failed.

[He taps his fingers together between his knees.]

I've had trouble trusting barriers since then. I know I can make them, I know all the things I should be able to do, but I'm just.

[He sighs grimly through his nose.]

Scared. ..often.