That was the whole reason he had chased after James seeing as the Templar had decided to split from the group far enough to be out of spell range. Even so he wasn't expecting James to stop and then puts him bodily behind him. Before he could find his bearings he finds himself being body slammed by a mabari. Obviously it's for good reason as he watches as James goes flying backward where they once were standing and lands on his back.

Sam gives a huff, shaking his head, but doesn't say a word to it, instead pulling out his sword and focusing on a spell. As James charges past there is a distinct green glow that flows over him for a moment as Sam casts Heroic Defense over him, bolstering his physical and magical defense.