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Back to Empire on the HPe3000
... and ...
"So we know what to expect." said Harald.
"No, we do not." Talberth said slowly. "We know that this
is not a simple Hill Giant clan raiding the lowlands, all we really
know is to expect more than our previous experience with these giants
has taught us."
"And such knowledge is worth a great deal." said Telenstil,
directing the conversation once again. "We will not walk blindly
into a situation which puts our mission in jeopardy. Last night,
our preparations and caution proved their worth. Our scouts did their job
amirably, they allowed us to retreat without a confrontation that
would not have been to our advantage. While we only brought down two
of a great number of foes, these two were eliminated at no cost to
our limited resources..."
"Magic." Harold interrupted.
"Yes, Magic, but also ourselves." continued Telenstil. "We nine
our are greatest resource. I have been given some items of power that
once used will be used up. I know the same has been done for some of you,
but while such items are helpful, even invaluable, each one of us in
ourselves is a greater resource and as a group we are stronger than all
nine of us individually. None of us were injured last night, and two
of the giants were slain. Believe me when I say that this was a great
achievement."
"But now the steading is alerted." said Talberth, still upset that
tey had not achieved greater things on their first try.
"It was inevitable." Telenstil said."Now we must show greater
igenuity in our plans than simply walking in the front door."
"Have you a plan?" asked Gytha, "I value plain speech, you sound
as if you have a plan already."
"I try to keep several options open at all times." said Telenstil
good humoredly. "But yes, my feeling is that we are unlikely to accomplish
our mission, to both hinder or destroy Nosnra and his clan, and find out
about this alliance he has undertaken as well as his plans, in one foray.
Because of that I have thought of ways to enter and renter the Steading.
Here is what I propose. Tonight we enter again. With both Henri and
Gytha's help we will cause a stillness to descend upon a section of the
Steading. Master Ivo will conceal us from sight. Talberth and I will
help bring us to the Steadings roof. I have the means of obliterating a
small section of the thick beams, and if my map i correct we will descend
into the emptied kitchens of the steading, from there, well my feeling is
to scout more, to proceed with stealth, set traps, I have brought several
magical sorts. There is also a meeting room which Nosnra uses, my source
speaks of a map, I wish to see it at least, steal it, copy it perhaps."
"All this sounds fine," said Harald "but we are going to actually
fight these giants at some point aren't we?"
"You will get that wish, do not doubt." said Telenstil.
* * *
They left the camp unguarded, at least it might so appear, but
Talberth and Telenstil both set wards, the Pholtite Henri and Master
Ivo both claimed that no eye but theirs could see it now. Then not
to be outdown, the old gnome crafted a spell of misdirection and spun it
around the cave.
Night had fallen once again, cold and misty, but no rain yet.
It would come, Harald thought, these hills were said to be the
birthplace of all the mists and rains which fell across the lands
below.
* * *
(To Be Continued)