[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/DmHThHw.png[/img][/center]

[color=6ecff6]"This certainly complicates things,"[/color] Ethelred vocally observed, looking at the fort.  [color=6ecff6]"When Lonan mentioned an outpost, I was expecting something a bit smaller than a fully garrisoned border castle."[/color]

If they tried to spring Elnith out of there, there'd probably be a lot of bloodshed.  There were a lot of knights and soldiers in the fort, and they wouldn't think twice of turning those ballistae on the duo.  Moreover, as much as Ethelred wanted get Elnith out of there, the thought of killing scores of good men and women who were merely doing their duty- especially while their fellows were occupied getting the villagers to safety- was a rather repugant prospect.  The elf might be able to sneak her out of there, but that was a risky prospect.  Given the the elf's burning disdain for Ethelred's cursed state, and his even greater hatred of Fomorians, the Frozen Knight feared that the elf would be tempted to leave her there, or even kill her himself.

[color=6ecff6]"I've got two ideas, if you're willing to humor me,"[/color] Ethelred spoke to the elf.  [color=6ecff6]"If the Harzel forces manage to regroup, they should able to bring that dragon down.  However, if we're able to finish it off ourselves, now that we have Elnith's space-warping sword, the spoils will be ours and ours alone.  I'd be willing to bet that King Harzelslack would be [i]very[/i] interested in obtaining the beast's head, especially if he believes that otherwise Sorcha would get it, and would be willing to hand over a prisoner in exchange.  Even with the wyvern's wounds, be quite risky, but I've seen you in action, I've seen what that sword you carry can do, and I think we might pull it off."[/color]

This would be a lot easier with Reinhardt, not only due to his dragon-fighting skills but the fact that his charisma and heroic bloodline would make it a lot easier for him to charm the king compared to the uncouth elf and cursed ice knight that were Elias' companions.

[color=6ecff6]"My second idea is that we lure it here,"[/color] he continued.  [color=6ecff6]"With those ballistae and a garrison of soldiers aiding us, it'd be a much easier fight, and in the chaos we should be able to spring Elnith out without trouble.  It's lower-risk, but much lower reward.  What do you think?"[/color]

[@Cu Chulainn]