The space ahead of them was becoming narrow. It was too narrow for anything more than one or two packs-worth to be effective at once. Moving up the stairs ahead would be slow work as well. Although the other doors in the hallway were closed and likely locked, it was no use having the entire force in a queue like this. Gallus pressed himself against the hallway so that Lorag and Uthri could lead the way and so he could better see his soldiers. "Clear out these rooms!" Gallus said, pointing to the doors, "Leave non-combatants alone, tie them up if you have to, then join up with us once you're done!"

The last comment was already clear to the soldiers when the plan was presented to them before the attack, but Gallus felt that it was worth mentioning again. It didn't occur to him that it might have been just an indication of keeping his own emotions in check.

Uthri still had the energy to fight despite her exertion in the courtyard and in the opening chamber. She had discarded her spear again and was putting a short sword and shield to great use in the confined halls and staircases. Supporting her were carefully aimed shots by Fendros and Ahnasha, but Janius kept his spells at a halt for now. He had sustained, and up until now ignored, a burn from a spell in the keep's entrance chamber and Sabine was busy treating it. Sabine had wide eyes and was visibly having trouble healing the wound while they moved. The walking and running was one thing, the adrenaline from the battle was still affecting her.

By the time Gallus lost sight of his soldiers, one of the doors had already been hacked open with an axe. It was doubtful that there were any ambush forces within, but it didn't hurt to check.