The Gnomes had received help from their taller comrades. Jex picked up the rifle with barely any examination of the weapon, whereas Regeland gave it an inquisitive look. "I bee-leeve I hauv seen such a thing befoe," Regeland said as he weighed it in his hands, his rapier now firmly sheathed in his scabbard. The others grabbed what they could and waded across. The Gnomes were now fairly soaked, but their firearms were fine and they received them back happily. 
If they headed a bit further down the road, they would have clear shots of the battle, and if they aimed carefully they wouldn't hit a Knight. The Knight's armor might halt a matchlock bullet, but then again it could hit a shallow spot of the steel. Still, the closer they got and the more they stood still, the easier it would be for them to perhaps get picked off by an archer. The same for the Elf Arassel and her bow, as well as Jex's great warbow. 
The Drabarian hissed and gazed balefully at his companions. "I shall go into the wood and find what quarry lay there, and meet you at the caravan. You do as will." he said, and with two powerful strides disappeared into the brush. Regeland sighed, very tired of how crazy this day had readily become even before this crazy battle. "Oy vey" he sighed, then unsheathed his rapier. "Viva la liberte!" 
The Vrettonian cried out and charged, making his way over to the Knights. One bandit slashed at a Knight's exposed flank, only to be blocked by Regelands nimble rapier. "Knights oof ze Lord Silias! Ie auhm yor frand!"
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Kayden seemed satisfied with Nuva being relatively well, and patted the Skayleigh's shoulder. He and the giant Elf-kin peered out into the courtyard to see it deserted. No...briefly they heard the clash of steel echo, but just as suddenly as it appeared, it was gone. Was there muted yelling? None could tell, not even Nuva and his exceptional hearing. 
"No one above us. Let's go." Kayden said quietly, motioning for his comrades to move forward. He and Morek made their way to the door across the closed gate, and the Prince peered inside. "No one there. Morek?" The Dwarf barrel rushed the bolted wooden and iron door, hitting it twice with his heavy bulk before it folded in on itself. 
"This way" Kayden hissed, heading inside. It was a room that mirrored the last one they had just left, only without the wheels to open the outer gate, and no guards as well. 
Nuva could hear muted whispers coming down the hall and past another door. Cassilda could also sense foul magics at work further in.
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