There is a minor uptick at the corner of Marcus' mouth at Julius on the matter of their being busy, despite the gravity of it all—and because of the gravity of it all, it dims quickly. Later, he will be very confidently asserting to Commander Flint that the rebel mages are force enough to change the tide.

He believes it now, but doesn't feel as much need, in this company, to make an unflinching case for it. They will know better when they land in Starkhaven, and his silence is agreement for Petrana's words.