All of them were seated and Ankerita started speaking, as she wanted to lead this time.
"Jake will hold back this time," she said. She had seen the way he fought and thought it was better for him to reserve his energy.
"He's spent significant mana across two floors and we have five remaining. Whatever waits at the top of this structure is going to require everything he has, and I'd rather spend what we can spend and keep what we can't replace."
Jake opened his mouth.
"You're the trump card," Ankerita said.
"Act like one."
He closed his mouth, frowning. He looked at others and they just shrugged.
Maudlina looked at her sister with that particular expression, as she knew her way of doing things and became used to it.
"You want me on support and you in front."
"Yes. Maureen's men take the flanks, and your mages stay behind the line and conserve where they can."
Ankerita's hands gripped her blade, like an assurance.
