Skandra took a moment to tug on his gloves. The leather creaked beneath his hands. Apart from that, there was no sound as he considered her proposal. They were so damned close now that he didn't feel comfortable resting. Apart from that, they had no idea what was happening up ahead. They were on a patio now, adjacent to and supporting the wooden platform. A heavy door of oak with brass and iron straps was all that separated them from whatever lay inside. Skandra worked the clasp on his sword belt, and it fell to the ground at his feet.
"We can't do that," he said hoarsely. "It's now or never. They're gonna notice these assholes gone."
One by one the buttons of his coat were carefully but quickly worked closed. Only the two near his neck remained undone. The collar came up, brushing his ears, and now he stooped down to pick up his sword belt. The dagger and knives hanging from the leather belt were readily accessible. He should have flung himself forward that instant, but he tightened the belt over his coat and waited a few extra seconds. Who knew this sort of thing could wind you so quickly? He doubted that Aeotha was having any easier of a time with it. Her suggestion was sensible and utterly stupid all at once.
Just like her.
"Your hand going to hold up?" Skandra went on. "You might want to wait out here. Everybody I find in there is going to die. No shame in staying behind."