The Grand Duchy of Bergkoff was once left ravaged and desolate by a Drow Warlord. The city-state is now in a much better position than what it used to be, having given up its sovereignty in exchange for assistance from the Empire. This subservience is an asset; better that they serve the greater interests of the Empire than to pursue its own goals. Thus, this invasion from the local orc and goblin tribes is... problematic.

Even more problematic is the incompetency of this army's scouts. Normally, Balthazar would send for a report from one of his informants within the Duchy, but the fact that the land is being pillaged has made it difficult for couriers to reach him. Five miles was too far away for his Record-Hunters to reach, and any ravens sent to and from the city is shot down by the enemy-- if he wanted accurate information about the situation in the city, he'd need someone competent enough to evade enemy patrols, retrieve the package from one of his informants, and then return swiftly to the army. 

Balthazar knew he would have to ask this of the Prince, or from one of his retinue.

After finishing reading these reports, Balthazar neatly stacks the papers atop one another, before placing them in his trunk. This chest contained information the scholar had accrued about the army, its movements, the region it's in, and any potential threats, both internal and external. It also contained one of his familiars, just in case someone would try to take a look inside. Sealing them away with a magical key, the man stood up from his chair and stretched-- not so much that he'd strain himself in his old age, but enough to shake some of the cobwebs away.

The old man secured his grimoire and took up his cane, speaking an incantation to extinguish the candles in the tent, before walking out and into the army camp proper. A camp of soldiers is hardly the quietest place to write, so he had his tent pitched near the officers' lodgings. Some of the soldiers whispered about the man as he walked, but none of them were foolish enough to openly speak of him in his presence. Balthazar made his way through the winding paths, having an inkling of where the Prince may be at this time.

Sure enough, the Prince was found with most of his retinue near the edge of the camp, upon a ridge with a clear sight of the city. Balthazar eyed them all with scrutiny as he moved closer. It seemed like they were in the middle of a conversation-- or nearing its end, at the least. He quickly reviewed what information he had gathered about them in his mind, before entering himself.

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[i]Rudolf Kestrell[/i], a loyal soldier and officer of the Grand Duchy of Bergkoff. A halberdier trained in both leadership and demolitions. His ambitions are modest. Manageable, even.

[i]Faira Bloodwen[/i], a mercenary of some skill. Raised by Beastmen near Dragon's Maw. A swordswoman who can harness Life Magic to enhance physical capabilities. Unlikely to turn upon her employers, but has no intrinsic loyalty to the Prince or the Empire itself.

[i]Acrius Stroude[/i], a young and brash gladiator turned retainer. Lacks restraint, and has yet to grow any true loyalty to the Empire, but follows the Prince. Can be molded into something greater, with some training.

[i]Zatana Aleana[/i], a foreign assassin who had intercepted another group of assassins intending to kill the Prince, though these assassins may have been themselves, a ploy to get her in the Prince's good graces. She is a Drow in disguise, and it is clear that her loyalties are split. Dangerous... but useful. Will need to see if she can be subverted completely, or if she must be disposed of eventually. Her talents will greatly assist our own efforts, provided she can be controlled.

[i]Manald Halung[/i], a Beastman warrior. Skilled mercenary working in service of the Prince. Unlikely to be loyal to the Prince or the Empire at the current time. Nevertheless, he is a powerful combatant. To be watched.

[i]Merik Roak[/i], another Beastman. A gladiator rescued from the fighting pits. Extremely loyal to the Prince, but knows little about the world at large. Can be molded to serve the Prince as a warrior, with a bit of grooming.

[i]Leonidas Lionheart[/i], Prince of the Grand Empire of Man. Son of Emperor Graham Lionheart, and Paladin of the Silver Flame, trained by Siegfried Lightbringer. He has much to learn, but he is truly his father's son. He is excellent at martial matters, but only time will tell if he can learn statecraft and politics in time for his ascension. Must be guided and protected at all costs, lest the Empire's sovereignty withers away.
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"[color=#239C89]Your Majesty.[/color]" Balthazar bowed formally, before giving everyone else in the group a nod in greeting. Before he could relay his request to the Prince, however, cannons can be heard firing the distance. The attack had already begun.

"[color=#239C89]It appears I am too late. We will have to march without perfect information. Although if I may suggest a plan, Prince Leonidas... I may have a way to get information before then.[/color]" He commented, before turning to Faira and Zatana, the two people in charge of riding ahead and reporting on the enemy numbers. He leveled a serious glare at both of them, expecting their full attention.

"[color=#239C89]It is unlikely you will be able to get so close, now that the attack has begun.[/color]" He started. "[color=#239C89]...but if you can find a way to enter the city before the horde encircles it completely, you will find one of my informants waiting for a courier near the West Gate. Give this to him.[/color]" He presented to them a wooden token with a strange symbol etched upon it. "[color=#239C89]He will give you a parcel in return.[/color]"

"[color=#239C89]If you manage this, we will be able to gain information on enemy numbers, their composition, and perhaps even their locations.[/color]" Balthazar explained. "[color=#239C89]...and if you fail, you will either be dead, captured, or stuck in the city when we arrive-- all of which, would not be an ideal situation for any of us.[/color]" He sighed for a moment, allowing himself a moment to breathe.

"[color=#239C89]...can I entrust this task to you two?[/color]"

He posed the question openly. It was a gambit, for certain, and the Prince was always free to object to this plan and that would be the end of it... but Balthazar figured it was time to see if these retainers would have any worth in tasks that weren't simply direct combat. He knew that Zatana could handle it, but he was unsure of her loyalty at this time. Meanwhile, the old man also suspected that Faira could do this, but if they deign to fight every patrol they come across, it would be too late.