Strange looks for a moment like he wants to argue before he remembers he actually can't. Damn this spell! Because there are so many points he wants to bring up to Francis, things that fall into his mind the moment he stops looking at the paper. He will challenge the fairy on the ice, away from the ship. There are more magicians now than before, they stand a chance protecting the crew, especially if Sabriel is free.

There are also things that he's not going to tell Francis. That he'll use himself as bait for the tuunbaq as much as the fairy. That it doesn't matter if he dies, just that Sabriel is safe. He's been trapped under a fairy curse before, if he can save her even the slightest anguish he felt, it would be worth it.

Strange gestures to Sabriel, look of utter helplessness in his eyes as he does so. What other choice is there?