Earth pillar shooting up to almost slam up under him? Not what Lambert was expecting, but he remembers: Strange is a damn powerful magician in his own right, and if they don't put a cork in him fast, he might just turn this story against them. He's got enough bullshit on his own, even without the Athenaeum's help. Lambert swears colorfully as he nearly breaks his ribs on earth rushing through the water, but he twists away in time, just getting a harsh scrape along one burned side for the trouble.

Where the fuck is Zangetsu and his pickles? He grabs at the earth pillar for a handhold to hitch a free ride up, coughing for breath as he tries to spin another narrative out.

"The earth ceased to obey the magician, because the Earth Spirit would not allow it!" Of course, Strange can do a hell of a lot more than move dirt around, but trying to deprive him of at least one element should help. Right?