[Al notices the deepening shadows and, if House is paying attention enough to notice, he subtly drops his centre of gravity in a practised fighting stance. He knows that if they come across the shadow creatures then there is no fighting them, it's hard to hit something that's incorporeal, but he can at least try in order to protect House.]

Stay close to me.

[Not going to rise to that bait about Clayton when there may be real danger ahead.]

If it looks like there's trouble then turn around and run, I'll hold off any attacks as best I can.