"Well, on the upside, I doubt most of them will ever hear about us specifically..." Felix is shooting another look at Jim, startled himself by how committed the normally peace-loving captain is to what they're here to do.
"Nonetheless." Stratos's voice is firm. "I think we'd all rest easier absent such risky summonings." He's quelling any urge to throw in a comment about summoning such creatures at all. It's not the time, even if they weren't far past the point of such concerns having any impact.
The grey morning light has warmed somewhat as the sun creeps over the mountainside, yet its warmth doesn't seem to touch them as they catch sight of bone-white stones rising over the curve of the slope ahead. The otherwise stolid horses grow skittish, ears flicking around them. Felix lifts a finger to test the wind thoughtfully; Stratos reins a halt and turns to nod grimly at the others.
"Any closer and we'll lose any chance of surprise," he says in a low voice. The last part of the path up isn't suited to horses anyway, even if the nervous beasts would be anything other than a liability.
Terentius will take the reins as each of them dismounts and collects his things from the saddle. Stratos beckons the others closer.
"The ward extends around the outer limit of the buildings remaining. I propose that I will ascend and approach first, in concealment, then the two of you will follow after a few minutes have passed. Felix should take the vanguard with his familiar; Jim, be ready to fall back and get some distance for your phaser. I will try to lay eyes on our opponent and ensure it doesn't take you unawares." Stratos actually gives them a small smile, then. "Remember, it may be formidable, but it isn't prepared to face two Imperial battlemages, much less a Starfleet captain."
no subject
"Nonetheless." Stratos's voice is firm. "I think we'd all rest easier absent such risky summonings." He's quelling any urge to throw in a comment about summoning such creatures at all. It's not the time, even if they weren't far past the point of such concerns having any impact.
The grey morning light has warmed somewhat as the sun creeps over the mountainside, yet its warmth doesn't seem to touch them as they catch sight of bone-white stones rising over the curve of the slope ahead. The otherwise stolid horses grow skittish, ears flicking around them. Felix lifts a finger to test the wind thoughtfully; Stratos reins a halt and turns to nod grimly at the others.
"Any closer and we'll lose any chance of surprise," he says in a low voice. The last part of the path up isn't suited to horses anyway, even if the nervous beasts would be anything other than a liability.
Terentius will take the reins as each of them dismounts and collects his things from the saddle. Stratos beckons the others closer.
"The ward extends around the outer limit of the buildings remaining. I propose that I will ascend and approach first, in concealment, then the two of you will follow after a few minutes have passed. Felix should take the vanguard with his familiar; Jim, be ready to fall back and get some distance for your phaser. I will try to lay eyes on our opponent and ensure it doesn't take you unawares." Stratos actually gives them a small smile, then. "Remember, it may be formidable, but it isn't prepared to face two Imperial battlemages, much less a Starfleet captain."