#earthrunes

Then "Miss Zara, you look displeased. I promise, I have done this sort of thing before, even lead them. I will not steer you or the others wrong"

"I am not some foot-soldier to be commanded."

"I don't think anyone in the squad is," he nods

A nod and a sip.

"But it doesn't change the fact each squad will need some unifying voice, someone to make the final call or it may all fall apart."

Eyebrow.

"Miss Zara, have I done something to offend you or leads you to think I am unqualified?"

"There.... -is- something to be said for a unified command...."

He isn't offended, but inquiring.

"I am certain you are competent."

"I thank you for that," he says, "May I ask then why you appear distressed by the idea of me as Squad leader?"

"I am not distressed, sir."

"Less than pleased then?"

"Did I say thus?"

August seems to be wrangling uncomfortable thoughts.

"I used the word 'appear' out of pure deference that I might misread, but you do appear less than pleased regardless of words spoken"

"Ah."

He clears his throat. "Could we consider what qualities the Tijuana team should have? And allow for the possibility that the other teams might find different qualities in need, and choose their leaders to suit?"

"I wish you luck in telling mother she'll lbe taking orders from anyone rather than giving them. Why do you think I want her on a different squad?" He says "AND my wife?"

"Indeed." Cool.

"However," A glance at his father, "Am I to understand someone else wishes to lead the Fenix group? I did not think Earl had enjoyed his brief foray into leadership though from what i hear he did as well as one can"

"What, ah, qualities should be considered. Zara, can you estimate what we face in stopping Tantalus there? I doubt I will be able to wrestle him down as Caesar did."

"Although, I can use my Arts as best I can to stop and hold him."

Mangus glances over.

"Then mayhaps we need a different team."

"If you do not think you and Earl are sufficient to face him..."

Magnus speaks"And Caspian, who is as strong as some trolls. You plan to invite him as well...yes? We can physically over power Tantalus though he may have body guards. Magic wise, Miss Zara is his superior, I've no doubt, and I dare say I am his match. We can 'take him' once we close. Closing him off from escape will be the biggest challenge I think. "

"Caspian, you do not invite. Nay, somehow or the other, he shall be plummeting towards certain death."

August nods agreement.

"Caspian will be there, or not. And yes, Zara, I believe Earl and I are sufficient to face Tantalus, if we work together."

"Zara, what do -you- think our greatest challenge is in this?"

Magnus sips his tea

"Tantalus is canny and ruthless. We know he has minions, well-paid. He is a master of chicanery."

Magnus nods "he is missing old treasures, but there is a chance he has new ones"

"Aye."

"We will not be able to trust our senses, or even our hearts."

"August, you're the strongest willed man I know, and Earl is a troll on a mission. As for Miss Zara and myself? well, we both know and understand magic. Indeed, I dare say Miss Zara might be a shield that Tantalus will not expect."

"We must consider that he will be powerful, and able to effect some of us, at least."

Magnus takes a sip "Dad, I love you like a brother, and sometimes like a father, but if you think Zara should be in charge, why didn't you say so?" A look to Zara "Miss Zara, I do not intend that I appear to come in and boss you about if I read your distaste aright. For one thing, one doesn't do that to an expert. One might say to a doctor 'save this patient ' and name the patient and the time, but no one with brains then tells the doctor where to cut, how to salvage the beating heart... so let me say not only would ordering you who what when HOW be incredibly rude of me, it would be very , profoundly stupid and a waste of a great mind and talent. I'm.. a bit irked with fatther and mother you see, for having shoved themselves into the center of this. I am not unaware that having me for tea is a sign of respect or at least forbearance on your part, and I am not ingrateful. "

And he removes his hat and lowers it to her, a doffing to show respect.

"..... shoved?"

"I do not wish to be in charge..."

"You merely do not wish to be ordered about like a foot soldier or ribbon clerk, I understand" He says

"Correct. And I shall not simply wash my hands of Tantalus this time, trusting others to stop him."

August sighs.

"August... we discussed this?"

"I know, you are fond of Jude. But..."

"I will be just and measured. I am sluagh, it is our da'an to educate those who do ill."

A chuckle at his father's sigh "If you can think of a better word for it, let me know. " Then to Zara, "You.. remind me a bit of mother in some ways. I mean that as a compliment to you both I suppose."

He nods. "I understand the necessity. And I regret it."