Rudolph occasionally helped the large man as he stumbled at first when they walked from the tavern. It wasn't too long before they entered a rather empty inn, and quickly found somewhere to sit. Rudolph had something simple for his breakfast, compared to Manalds rather bestial choice. The two men engaged in some minor chatter, but with not much time available, the two were unable to enjoy the company. Soon enough they had split directions, Manald went off to clean himself up, and Rudolph went back to the barracks in preparation for the drill. -------- [color=39b54a][b]“Merik will go to the west gate. Merik requests the use of the confiscated supplies against the battering rams and more small wooden pillars to delay advance.”[/b][/color] said Merik. [color=a187be][b]"What pillars do you mean Sir Merik?"[/b][/color] the Duke asked unsure, and oblivious to what the lizardman had used during the attacks on the previous day. Shortly after, Zatana voiced her idea [color=SlateBlue][b]"Highness, if the orcs and goblins are going all out, perhaps it is a chance to slip behind them? See if we can discover more while they are looking elsewhere. Destroy their supplies perhaps, yes?"[/b][/color] [color=a187be][b]"An idea indeed."[/b][/color] the Duke agreed. Balthazar then spoke up, [color=#239C89][b]"Before we discuss that, I feel I should share my findings. Firstly, it appears more Goblins have arrived to reinforce the losses they took yesterday. In fact, it's quite likely that we will be dealing with more today than we did yesterday."[/b][/color] The Duke shook his head slightly, [color=a187be][b][i]This will certainly get worse before it gets better[/i][/b][/color] he thought. [color=#239C89][b]"Secondly, it appears our Dwarven allies are delayed. It appears the tunnels they used to move around in the area have been collapsed. It will take some time to clear them-- assuming nothing interferes with them, I expect them to do so within a few days, perhaps a week depending on the damage."[/b][/color] Balthazar continued. [color=a187be][b]"Hopefully the tunnels collapsing is the only issue they are facing. Such an issue would be trivial to them."[/b][/color] the Duke said to himself. [color=#239C89][b]"Lastly, some of our scouts have managed to spot their camp. While surveying the area, they had spotted an unfamiliar figure within the Orcs. Reportedly, they appeared to be humanoid, but they were not Goblin or Orc. Although we have nothing to confirm such things, I would surmise that this figure is responsible for the advanced tactics of these invaders. I'd go as far as to say that they are the brains of the operation. If we can eliminate them, then their army will fall into disarray...Unfortunately for us, it appears their campsite is constantly on the move, likely in an effort to avoid such tactics. If you wish to look for information, I'd start there, and then perhaps move to track their whereabouts."[/b][/color] Balthazar finished, as he turned his attention to Zatana. [color=a187be][b][i]Someone that is not an Orc or Goblin, but somehow has themnunder their sway? what sort of person could they be?[/i][/b][/color] the Duke thought and questioned to himself. [color=#239C89][b]"However... it is a mission fraught with risk and danger. We should not overplay our hand, especially in a precarious position like this. I think you should stay here and help us repel the next wave, and await an opportunity to strike. Of course, if an opportunity to disrupt their supply lines presents itself... then by all means."[/b][/color] the man then looked toward both the Prince and the Duke. [color=#239C89][b]"What do you think, Your Majesty? And you, Duke Karstilli?"[/b][/color] asked Balthazar. The Duke remained in thought after hearing Balthazars news. Acrius spoke up next, [color=#FF9900][b]"Full on melee on the sewers sounds fun- err, strategic. The orcs also seem a tantalizing option. I will, however, go where Prince Leonidas commands."[/b][/color] [color=a187be][b]"There will hopefully be no need as the tunnel has been sealed. I have sent a small squad to go and keep watch, however one cannot be too careful."[/b][/color] the Duke admitted. [color=a187be][b]"Of course, you and your comrades are free to choose wherever you feel you would be best suited."[/b][/color] [color=darkgreen][b]"I want to be where I can mess around with hostile intestines. Also, if I may suggest, we should prohibit every non-fighting citizen from having a good shit today. If the goblins manage to blow up the sewers I'd prefer that happening with as little poo as possible raining down upon us. Everybody got me?"[/b][/color] said Manald saying his piece. [color=a187be][b]"Yes, well, it is noted."[/b][/color] the Duke nodded awkwardly as he paid attention back toward the main point of the conversation. [color=a187be][b]One of my main concerns among the rest is how to deal with their siege equipment. They appear to be somewhat out of sight or range. We have catapults of our own, but they can reach only so far themselves.[/b][/color] The Duke took another sip from his drink before turning to Balthazar. [color=a187be][b]"Is there no more information you can provide about this individual who seems to be the puppeteer of this siege?"[/b][/color] ---------- It was a tedious but necessary process that took nearly an hour to go through. Rudolph and many of the other sergeants had or were still reading out the names of the fifty or so soldiers on each of their registers. It was to help identify who and how many soldiers remained. Guards patrolling the walls and the other points of concern were excluded, and previously accounted for. As Rudolph neared the end of his list, he saw from a distance the remaining captains as they exited the keep. [color=0072bc][b]"How is it coming along Sergeant Kestrell?"[/b][/color] came the voice of Captain Helt. Rudolph let out a small irritated sigh, and even some of the soldiers in the back of gathering rolled their eyes when they saw the captain approach. [color=8493ca][b]"Alright so far sir. Almost all are accounted for on my list."[/b][/color] he replied simply. He quickly scanned his list again, [color=8493ca][b]"Just short by about five men sir."[/b][/color] [color=0072bc][b]"I see."[/b][/color] replied Helt as he viewed the men arrayed. [color=0072bc][b]"As you were sergeant."[/b][/color] he nodded seemingly satisfied, and the man then wandered off down the road inspecting the rest of the gatherings. Rudolph briefly watched as the man walked away before turning away shaking his head. [color=8493ca][b]"Alright lads, dismissed for now. But standby for future orders."[/b][/color] he announced saluting and watching the men as they dispersed.