Gently, Cewri placed Celeste at the mages' feet.  "They're small targets.  If I can't scare them off, and they're anything resembling competent, they'll try to out maneuver me.  That'll be your best opening."  Of course, that would put him in the way of their spells, but they would know of his resistance to their arts.  "Once the fight is over, look over Celeste's body.  The smoke obscured it pretty quickly, but a mark showed up on her neck as soon as she started coughing blood."  the obvious conclusion went unsaid.

	He turned to face the Goblins.  [i]If one of us weren't injured, or whatever is happening to Celeste, the outcome wouldn't even be in question.[/i]  He drew his blade and took up a high guard position, and crouched down in preparation—putting his head at the height of a regular man.  With a roar, The Mountain charged.