Obi-Wan had realized a heartbeat too late that Loki's intent was turned to destruction--too late to let go of his hand, too late to pull himself back out of the Force and put up some kind of barrier between his adopted son and Loki. Suddenly the wise, calm diplomat had retreated behind the skill and precision of the hardened warrior.

He held on to each of the other magic-users as steadily as an anchor, his presence coiling tightly within itself.