Merlin stayed seated for a moment, letting the hum of the system fade into the background. He didn't need it screaming reminders at him; he already knew the clock was running down.
Eight hours until the Tier-Gate opened.
Eight hours to get himself ready, mentally and physically.
Eight hours until hell could walk through the city's southern border.
'And I'm spending the first of those hours staring at my desk like an idiot.'
He stood, pushing away from the chair, and crossed to the small wardrobe in the corner. His hand hovered over the clasp for a moment before pulling it open. Inside were his essentials, plain, well-used gear from the academy's supply lines, and the less-official pieces he'd acquired on his own.
From the bottom shelf, he pulled out a compact leather satchel and began packing.
Two potion vials, one healing, one stamina.
A rolled length of enchanted wire, good for restraining things that didn't bleed.
