"I can see where you're both right," Fendros said, moving onto the next body. "On one hand, I am glad that we're better at this. On the other hand, I just hope that we don't get too used to it."

[hr]
Vera brought her fist to her chin in thought and looked to one side. "I like the plan. It exposes the least amount of risk to the clanhome. I can't help but think, though, that they might predict us doing something like that." Vera lowered her hand to the table and looked up to Saras. "These are the Empire's spies, yes? Their best? I'm not sure that they would willingly follow a rumour into a village where they could be ambushed. Especially if they know how close they are and that they are trying to bait us out."

Oswall waved a hand. "We can play it by ear. They won't be able to bring in any appreciable force without us noticing. If it's too dangerous, we can retreat and try something else, leaving them with what may as well be a red herring to them."

"Very well." Vera nodded. "Saras? You probably know more about the Penitus Oculatus than any of us. What risks are there in this plan of yours, given what they are capable of?"