Kaleeth held her confidence. Since Ahnasha was looking for information on the bodies, Kaleeth focused on what was simply the most valuable. Usually it was their silver weapons, but sometimes they wore jewelry or carried magic items that could bring in gold for the clan. Even with a whole cart at their disposal, they did still have to prioritize what they brought with them. "Have I really been modest, though? I think I always knew my limits. You all found me as a stupid hatchling of nineteen years who could barely hold a spear. You all trained me. You made me like this." Lorag moved from the body he had been searching to walk up beside Kaleeth and give her a pat on the back. "Think we might've made a monster. Literally. We did give her the ability to just kind of chew through anything in front of her with those crocodile jaws." --- The Orc gave a nod to Sabine. "There were survivors on both sides. The Thalmor didn't know how many people they were picking a fight with at the time, but, well, say what you like about those damn Elves, but they've got their magic. Fought their way out and took a lot with 'em, even if they lost a lot too. Guess we can't say if Vile's agents have some kind of deal with part of the Dominion that all of it doesn't know about. Usually they'd let their Justicars know about something like that, but if that group had been on an assignment for a while, they might not've heard. Still, we know that Vile's people have been trying to find Talos worshipers. That much we know for certain." Meesei had removed the bandages to make it easier for her to work, though she could make sure that there was no further bleeding. She gave another healing potion to the Breton woman. It had been brewed by Sabine, so it was likely more potent than anything she had drank thusfar. Fortunately, the silver in her wound was not particularly difficult to extract. Even Sabine could not eliminate all of the pain of the process, but it was not unbearable for her. After that, it would just be a matter of pouring enough strong healing spells into her to prevent any irreversible harm from taking hold in her muscles or joints. "We will need to investigate this. Our delivery is important to make, but when we get to the Evermore clan, we will see what aid they can give us to investigate. After we return to the outpost, I will have a full copy made of your report. You and your sleuth have done well." --- Saras sat looking at the letter on the table before him. He had his hands in front of him with his fingertips lightly touching together. The initial report from his agent was intriguing, but not immediately worrisome. It was not all too uncommon for a group of bored nobles' sons to take up some foolhardy quest to fight monsters, which would have explained their connections to the Solitude nobility. Of course, the coded letter would be unusual, but it was the insignia he uncovered that truly shifted the nature of the situation. Saras' time in the Dark Brotherhood had given him an appreciation for information, and his experience gave him a certain uncommon expertise in matters of espionage. So, he knew when not to underestimate a foe. The Penitus Oculatus were cunning and ruthless, even if their overall goals were usually predictable. They were not his standard opponent; this would likely prove interesting. --- For an event of such potential importance, Saras had not taken long to assemble the council. It consisted of all of its usual members, with himself, Vera and her lieutenants, and Ri'vashi. Marcaille was also present, as she could provide a useful perspective on magical matters when Meesei was not present. However, this particular meeting had a different focus. As he had called the meeting, Saras was quick to open with an explanation for why. He did not tend to be one for pleasantries. "One of my agents had learned of a small group coming from Solitude, three people, who are searching for lycans. I have identified them as members of the Penitus Oculatus, or at minimum, a group that knows how to properly form their insignia. As for the nature of their search, I can identify several possibilities based on one of two assumptions. The first assumption is that they do not know a great deal about our organization. In that case, they may be investigating what they perceive as a potential threat to the Empire. They are certainly aware of the increased lycan activity in Tamriel and may simply want to find groups of lycans to be marked for extermination in order to better secure their territory. That is the most straightforward possibility, and perhaps not the most likely. Another possibility, still based on the first assumption, is that they have caught wind of some of our actions. They know that there are lycan clans, but do not know of our organization or motives. In that case, they are most likely scouting and evaluating the situation to recommend further action to their superiors. Now, the second of the two assumptions would be that the Penitus Oculatus [i]does[/i] have a reasonable idea of the extent of our organization and capabilities. They know we have our own methods to gather intelligence, and they know our clans work together. Under this assumption, I can only think one reasonable possibility. The agents want to be found. If they knew that we have our own agents, then they were far too sloppy in Solitude. They asked about us publicly, and made no effort to conceal their intentions. Against a group of wild savages, that would not matter, but if they know of our capabilities, then they would know that we would easily pick up on their inquisitiveness. This possibility is perhaps the most interesting, and dangerous."