Waver counted the number of cigars still on his person mentally. He wanted to stretch the supply out for as long as possible, given he had no idea where he might get replacements, and he was loathe to use everything up on a single life threatening situation.

"It is attached to my person and thus the radius of it relates to where I stand," he said. "Meaning that if I move, the field will move with me. But no one can leave unless I drop this."

Other magi had fields that could be passed through like a membrane. They were older, more advanced, more ancient in bloodline, and honestly in a situation such as this one, they too would probably prefer a less porous barrier.

"I can drop it and let them run, but I wouldn't advise it."

His eyes drifted from Alan over to Pitchfork, then addressed her directly. "I can't lift and keep this up, but how bad is it?"