"Allow me to take the risk," said Loki. What more risk could there be? He had already fallen from the Bifrost and survived. Besides, it wasn't as though his purity could be threatened. He was as impure as a being could be.

Loki took a few steps away, and drew a circle in the dust with the tip of his boot. Paused, with the circle incomplete.

"Well," he said, testily, "step inside, and let's at least have protection from a bare handful of the danger here." He raised his voice. "And any other magic-users who feel inclined to lend their assistance."