In the aftermath, the fire has devoured the surrounding brush and is now burning low on the plain, which actually grants them more light in the darkness to see by. All hands are on deck to sort through the supplies and assess what’s worth keeping and hauling back to camp. Strange is standing in the bed of one of the wagons, trying to get into a crate while Redvers works through another wagon beside him.

They’ve seen enough of each other on this trip to nod hello, exchange a few words over meals, focusing on the logistics and plans for the People. Strange has avoided any I told you so about their first conversation, instead falling back on the crisp professional respect of working colleagues. He suspects they didn’t get off on the right foot— but join the club, because neither did he and Tony.

“Are there any prybars?” he asks. “I could blow this open with a spell, probably, but that seems unwise.” They don’t know what’s in here.