Oswall sounded an affirming grunt. "Those chambers make marching long distances an issue of the past." He stroked his beard again. "I am unsure about letting our contacts come [i]here,[/i] however. It seems an unnecessary risk if all of us can move as needed." He held his head forward. "Unless you wish to reveal your portal spell to them. Give them a grand tour of the city if you wish, so long as they do not know the entrance. Hmph."

"Even if they have not deduced Meesei's means of transport by now, showing them shall not be a hurtful trade-off." Darahil turned his eyes to Meesei and Saras. "From what you have said of our contacts, their weight within their governments is not insignificant. However, for a brash move like this, we must be prepared to provide them whatever we can to convince a general or two. Now, given that the outcome is tied to those representatives..." If it were possible, Darahil's face appeared to soften. "If we might move on to another matter. Meesei, have you had any indication of what Molag Bal will ask for in return for empowering the axe? I fear the prince will pick up on our desperation and ask a heavy price."

[hr]
Sabine took some time to respond to Do'rhajul. Two of the carpenters followed behind them, pulling a small cart lashed with the wooden parts components of a large bedframe, a small bedframe and two appropriately sized straw-filled mattress.

"I have been thinking on it," Sabine said quietly enough that they would not be eavesdropped. "They will ask you questions. Your answers will help. But I think you could be most useful to Ri'vashi." Sabine did not sound especially hopeful. "She the highest military commander below Meesei. She earned that position because she is prodigal in leading soldiers. She is the best warrior and general of all lycans on Tamriel. And she is probably one of the best generals in the world. But you have more experience, Rhajul. I..." She hesitated. "I want to try and convince Ri'vashi to let you advise her. That is what I wanted to meet with her about, as well as knowing her feelings right now. She is a friend to me. She made a hard decision sparing you and I want to know if she is well."

Sabine exhaled from her nose. "I do not know if she will ever accept you. But I need to try."