Gallus nodded. "We'll have to fall back on a ram if the sabotage fails, it would seem. I do not like our chances of just using ladders or relying on our beast forms."

After a moment of deliberation, Gallus spoke regarding Meesei's words. "As far as I can see it, the advantage gained from the mist will wear the cost of having less magic on the field for the fight. Using the mages directly will make them targets for archers that would otherwise not be able to see with the mist in place anyway."

"I wonder..." Gallus rubbed his chin, "If so much hangs on the sabotage, is there a way to improve our chances? How many werevultures can we make invisible? Is it possible to have a hit-and-run force elsewhere in the stronghold at the time? Is there any method for destroying the mechanism beyond just using strength to break it?" Gallus looked to everyone for ideas.

[hr]
Fendros knew as well as Irenya did why the topic was uncomfortable for her, so he didn't mind changing the subject. He exchanged a glance with Ahnasha and smiled, wondering how much to reveal. Fendros had one word to give to Irenya when he turned to face her. "Necessity. At first, anyway." Fendros continued before it sounded like something it wasn't, even though he did not intend to include Rhazii's conception, "Meesei found me outside of Cheydinhal the day after I was turned. I was...resistant, but Ahnasha mentored me and helped me to embrace a different mindset. She taught me real archery, fine points. We ended up spending a lot of time together and we...grew very close."

Ahnasha may or may not have wanted to add to the story, but at least all of it was more or less truth.