Marcus, standing with his pike ready, had to admit he was rather impressed by the "firepower" on display from the two witches behind him. Nevertheless, he had been well enough trained by the Rangers to understand his role in this combat situation. He was the short-range fighter, responsible for protecting the artillery, in this case the witches casting spells, from any lizards that managed to avoid their blasts and decide to charge them. He performed is his role well, his pike a blur as he struck lizards right and left.
"Nicely done, ladies!"
Marcus had perhaps better not have made the comment, since it divided his attention for a split second, enough time, as it turned out, for a gang of lizards to get the jump on him. As Tonks cried out his name in warning, he turned in time to be knocked down by a vicious dogpile of scaly lizard bodies.