The drider simply sat there. Any inclination she might have had to intervene was destroyed by the stunning revelation that the woman who had cared for her was truly a villain seeking massive amounts of death and destruction.

"I'll put my faith in you, Sir Tiral!"

Fanilly, meanwhile, was not given much of a chance to dispense orders. Thankfully, the actions of her knights fell in line with what she would have ordered. Tyaethe, with her heavy armor and undead nature, could lead the way. Followed by Indrau, whose sword would at least weaken any offensive spells hurled their way. Fanilly herself would take the rear. As the fastest of the three, once they got into range she would be able to dart out from behind the other two knights and assault the mage at close range. This seemed like the best possible formation they could have taken, and it had happened without Fanilly's orders... there was a little voice in the back of her head, claiming that it was because they didn't need her.

But she couldn't allow doubts like that to choke her focus. This mage was incredibly dangerous, and one small mistake could lead to something terrible happening.

But the mage wasn't moving. When Tyaethe brought her sword down...!

Sparks flew as it struck an elaborately-patterned purple barrier, scattering magical energy immediately! There was a distinct crack in the shield, but it hadn't fully given way!

But that was the far less concerning then Beatrice's response. The Witch of Wild Thorns raised her hand, and immediately circles began to open in the air. Dozens and dozens, no, hundreds of magic circles filled the air in a wall!

"Let there be no doubt," began the mage, "This is the magical artifice of one who was taught by the Witch-Queen herself!"