The Record-Hunter wordlessly hopped onto one of the shingles, procuring a feather from a nearby nest for use as a quill. With practiced precision, the familiar began to transcribe the conversation taking place on the streets below. If it had more time or materials, perhaps it could come up with a sketch of the scene, but it was an archivist, not an artist. Still, the thing began its work, writing down the words in tiny script upon a piece of paper.

---

Balthazar simply nodded in response to the other questions. Indeed, it would certainly be easier for them to avoid patrols altogether, but if push came to shove, eliminating these Orcs would be the smart thing to do. After all, dead men tell no tales. When the discussion was finished, the warlock wished the assassin and the mercenary good luck, and then bid the Prince and the Duke farewell, before leaving the War Room. 

There would be time for more planning tomorrow, and he knew that rest would be necessary to keep his mind sharp.

Bergkoff Keep was a fortress of respectable size. At the Duke's behest, Balthazar was given lodgings in one of the guest rooms on the second floor-- something the old man had appreciated. A fire had been lit in the room's hearth to provide light and warmth and to remove the dampness in the air. His luggage and belongings had been brought here ahead of time, which allowed Balthazar to do some more work before going to bed if he wished to do so. The attached lavatory had a garderobe and even had a large wooden tub.

There were a number of things he would've liked to do, but something stood out to him-- something he knew that he would not get the chance to do as the battle intensified. The man turned to the serving girl who had led him to his chambers. She was a small thing who seemed a little intimidated by Balthazar's presence, in spite of her efforts to hide it.

"[color=#239C89]Please fetch some water.[/color]" He started. "[color=#239C89]I've been on the road for weeks now, and I'd like the take the opportunity for a bath if I can manage it.[/color]"

"R-right away, m'lord."

The girl scurried away, prompting the old man to let out a sigh-- one of both relief and restlessness. Even in his old age, his presence was imposing; something that was both a blessing and a curse. Still, he was glad that even as the splendors of youth fade, his authority had not diminished. As he took off his coat, he heard a knock on his door.

"[color=#239C89]That was fast. It seems the Duke has some well-trained servants.[/color]" He opened the door, half-expecting to see that same serving girl with a bucket of water in her hands. Instead, he found the Prince. It seemed his bath would have to wait.

"[color=#239C89]Your Majesty.[/color]" Balthazar bowed low. "[color=#239C89]Please, enter.[/color]"

Balthazar gestured to the seat in front of the desk that had been provided for him with his free hand. Once the Prince was seated, the man spoke. "[color=#239C89]Now, what is it that you require of me?[/color]"

"[color=#239C89]That was something I wished to speak to you about.[/color]" He nodded at Leonidas' inquiries about Helmsguard. Balthazar walked over to the coat hanging on the wall, retrieving the slip of paper that he had left out during the meeting during the War Room. "[color=#239C89]I was hoping it could wait until after the siege, but one must be aware of what is going on around him-- disasters rarely wait for the previous one to finish before appearing.[/color]"

The man quickly scanned the parchment before relaying its contents to the Prince. "[color=#239C89]It appears our mutual friend has yet to respond. Strange, considering how punctual she usually is.[/color]" Balthazar starts. "[color=#239C89]Normally this would not be much cause for alarm, but it appears many of my informants around the area have stopped checking in.[/color]" He paused, raising an eyebrow in thought.

Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.

"[color=#239C89]It seems the Helmsguard region is the epicenter for a great many things. The spies that did report in have spoken of a plague that has taken the land.[/color]" He stopped for a moment, his face more dour than usual. "[color=#239C89]...and although we cannot be certain, there are reports of the Undead in the region.[/color]" Troubling news, to be sure.

Balthazar looked the Prince in the eye. "[color=#239C89]...I know what you must be feeling, but we must not split our forces.[/color]" He said. "[color=#239C89]We should focus on breaking this siege. Once that is complete, we can turn our sights on Helmsguard.[/color]" Leonidas was much like his father-- a man of just morals... but while he was a rational man, he was also subject to bouts of passion. The spymaster could not allow the boy to stray from the task at hand.

He had promised his friend that much.

"[color=#239C89]...Was there anything else you would like to know, Your Majesty?[/color]"