Once the Argonian healer gave a nod clearing Fendros of any lies, the noble removed the hooks from Ahnasha's body and folded her skin back over to its proper place. He prompted the Breton to start closing her back up, then moved over to the other side of the table closer to Fendros. "Now we're getting somewhere. She will be healed back as good as new, perhaps with only a scar or two. Just remember, I can open her up just as easily if you lose your spirit of cooperation. The bedrooms are a good target for my men, and I can assure you they will not be focused on killing a Khajiit infant. Beyond the bedrooms, what is next?" 

Ahnasha breathed a sigh of relief when the Breton finally numbed her pain. Even though the healer was working on healing her, she still tried to avoid looking down, or thinking about the state she was in. As long as Fendros remained cooperative, she wouldn't have to go back to that suffering. She would have answered the questions herself, were she capable of it. The hallways beyond the bedrooms passed underneath the entrance to the xanmeer, then continued on past a few storage rooms to the throne room itself. There was also another exit in the throne room that led to another hall, but Ahnasha was uncertain of where it led. The pack had not been allowed past that point.

---

Upon returning to the xanmeer, Meesei, Vinaremo, and Orskan split off from the rest of the group and went straight to the throne room to meet with Hal-Neesa and Llarvan. They had expected their return, so there was no delay before they could speak to them. 

"So, you have returned. Since you are still alive, may I assume the battle was a success? Did the noble's son show his cowardly face?" Llarvan asked as they were stepping up to the thrones. 

"The battle was indeed a success, my lord. Unfortunately, the noble was not present, but there has been another development. I will let [i]her[/i] explain." Vinaremo answered, opening up Meesei to respond.

Meesei tried to remain respectful, but her haste was evident in her tone. "After the end of the battle, I went to check on two of my pack. I found that they had most likely been captured in the middle of the fight and dragged off by wagon out of the ruined town. Their tracks end after a short distance, but I could still catch their scent. I left the remainder of my pack behind to search that area of the swamp for what we assume to be their headquarters. We are skilled trackers, so I have no doubt we will find it, though it may take a few hours. I would like to request more forces to rescue my friends and eliminate the last of the mercenaries."

"Hmm, it is not what I hoped for...but it is better than I expected." Llarvan commented, more to his wife than anyone. "The noble's son is not in Gideon, so he must be with his ilk in their headquarters. We can end this annoyance here and now."

Neesa nodded in response. "Agreed. These mercenaries have so far proven skilled at, quite literally, covering their tracks, but if our lycanthropic guests can locate them, then we can finally rid ourselves of these pests."

"Then it is settled, we will send with you sufficient forces to eliminate the last of the mercenaries. Again, Vinaremo will be in command of-" Llarvan began, but Neesa quickly held up a hand to him and interrupted. 

"Actually, I will take charge personally." Neesa said. 

Llarvan turned his head to her curiously. "Are you certain, my dear? Our underlings should more than be able to handle a few warriors-for-hire on their own."

"Yes, I am sure. This noble has been annoying us for years, and I do not want to leave this to chance. Besides, it has been quite a while since I have been able to...let loose my abilities." She answered. 

"Very well, I will remain and hold together our court while you are gone, my love." Llarvan commented before looking back to Meesei. "My wife will take command of this attack. Make whatever preparations you need while you can, and be ready to move in about an hour."