[color=A0A0A0][h2]Fleuri Jodeau[/h2][/color]

Fleuri watched as the Knight Serpenta launched herself down one of the staircases and engage the mercenaries out of view.  From the sounds emanating from the staircase, the mercs weren't faring too well.   Tyaethe followed Maritza down the stairs in her usual unhesitating fashion.

Before things could devolve further into chaos, Fanilly spoke to give the remaining knights their orders.

"We will split our numbers.  A two-pronged assault will make it harder for them to stop us.  Dame Tyaethe has already headed deeper. Half of our number will take Vosahnn and accompany her, the others will remain with me!"

Fleuri had no time to decide before more of the enemy forces arrived at the bottom of the other staircase, their leader firing a crossbow bolt at the captain and causing her to duck for cover.

"Well well well, the Iron Roses? Hmm, you've made short work of many of our mercenaries, too, just what were we paying them for?  Are you lot any better, or should I lower my expectations accordingly?"  Well, no matter, I'm certain I know exactly how you got here so quickly and who told you.  That will cost her one whole sister," the hooded man menacingly proclaimed.

Fleuri's initial reaction was indignation at the man's cruel threat and correct assessment of the situation.  As the man's words repeated in his mind, however, he caught a detail that he had missed.

"With me!" the Captain ordered, commanding any volunteers to follow her into the depths before the mercenaries could barricade their way.  Fleuri shrugged and turned his attention back to the hooded man.  Maritza and Tyaethe had already descended, and Fleuri didn't want to leave Jarde and Gerard unchaperoned.

"It [i]will[/i] cost her sister?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.  "That would infer that she is indeed still alive."  Fleuri turned to Fanilly.  "You heard the man, Captain, we still have time to save her.  We'll cover you and rejoin once this knave no longer poses a threat."

In truth this wasn't any sort of new revelation of the situation, but he hoped it's revitalize their resolve and get under their foe's skin, something that Fleuri wasn't quite done with yet.

"Judging by your sharp wits, particular interest in the how's of our current situation, and disdain for your hired help, I'd wager a guess that you are one of the conspirators.  The Crown would be very interested in what you know if we took you alive," he assessed, lowering the visor of his helmet and readying his sword.  Whether or not they'd be able to take him alive was unclear, but he had resolved to not let this murderous rogue escape justice this day.