Hiding At Mrs. Veverka's

Upon reaching the shop, Zosia knocks upon the door. A minute or so later, a gray-haired elderly female dwarf opens it.

Zosia smiles at her:

"Hi, Mrs. Veverka," she starts. "I've got another big favor to ask you. I wonder if you could put me and a few of my friends up for the night."

Mrs. Veverka looks out at the mass of dwarves and Bohavians before her and starts to titter:

"My, oh my," she laughs, "you young people, I really don't know. However many of you are there?"

"Come on in all of you. You'll catch your death out there. Make yourself at home while I make you all a nice warm pot of dandelion tea."

They all enter the tiny shop and see that Zosia wasn't exaggerating when she said it was going to be a tight squeeze. As the dwarves enter, Mrs. Veverka sees that the dwarves are all wearing masks. This starts her tittering again:

"Just been to a masked ball have you?" she asks, laughing.

"Well I certainly had a ball," the stronger of the two dwarven warriors replies, grinning under his mask.

Mrs. Veverka walks up the stairs to her private quarters while the others all try and make themselves as comfortable as possible in the shop and backroom, sitting in amongst the herbs and spices of Mrs. Veverka's profession.

As Mrs. Veverka returns with a large pot of tea and a number of earthenware mugs, there is a knock at the door:

"Open up, it's me, Yaz."

Rockrender opens the doors and Yaz walks into the crowded shop.

"Young Yaz as well," Mrs. Veverka cries. "Twice in one day. That is a nice surprise."

"How did you get on?" Winnacer asks.

Yaz shakes his head:

"Not so good," he says sadly. "I managed to save three of them, I think. But the rest are ... charcoal."

He holds his head in his hands.

"Errm ... I meant with the goblins," Winnacer says.

"Oh, yes, the goblins," Yaz replies. "I heard them coming and that's when I made my escape. There were a lot of them."

There is a groan from the corner as Milan comes around again and starts to hurt from his wounds.

Winnacer looks to him and then at the dwarves:

"Has anyone got any healing left?" he asks. "There are still plenty of us with injuries."

"Sure," replies the Bastioness. "We have a fair bit."

The three priestesses start to go around the injured, casting spell after spell on Milan, Winnacer, Rowan and the two dwarven warriors. It takes the best part of ten minutes before the clerics see to everyone, with the four Zemnye priests, the priest of Ohen and Yaz casting nearly 20 spells between them. By the time their spells have been exhausted, everyone has been returned to full health with the exception of the stronger of the two warriors, who manages to soak up one moderate and five light healing spells but is still quite a way from returning to full health such is his capacity for damage.

Although it is just a little after 9.00p.m., all are starting to get a little tired after the exertions of the evening.

"Perhaps it is best if we get some rest now," Winnacer says. "In the morning we can perhaps avail ourselves of some charming spells to use upon our friend the Lord Protektor."

"Why do we need to wait?" asks Yaz, lighting a joint. "I've got a charming spell left."

"The sooner all this bullshit is over and we're out of this place the better."

Winnacer agrees:

"Sure, that's fine by me. Give it a try."

Yaz starts to utter and chant while gesticulating towards the Lord Protektor. From beneath his gag, the goblin sneers at the druid in response. Yaz finishes the spell and sends one final gesture toward the goblin.

Faewen'il holds the amulet in her hands. She comes as close the smiling as it is possible for her to do:

"Ye be gettin him," she says to Yaz.

Yaz smiles too and takes the gag from the goblin:

"Hi," Yaz smiles to the goblin. "How are you feeling?"

"Very sore does Porich feel after to be blasted by lightning bolt and to have chainmail burning," the Lord Protektor says. "But thank you for concern does Porich."

Winnacer whispers to Yaz:

"Do you think that you could make think that I'm a friend of yours?" he asks. "That way I can ask him some questions."

"OK," Yaz whispers in reply. "Anything to get this over with as quickly as possible."

He turns back to the Lord Protektor:

"Porich," he says, "this is Winnacer, a friend of ours. He'd like to ask you some questions, if that's OK with you?"

"Sure," Porich replies.

Winnacer kneels next to the bound goblin and starts to question him:

"What do you know about the Baby Yaz and his prophecy?" Winnacer asks first of all.

"Bohavian named Melchior my troops find tied on horse," the goblin replies. "Question him did we. Say he work for OverLord Protektor did he. We cast spell and find he speak true. Say that OverLord Protektor want child. Say that pleased would OverLord Protektor be with Porich if to find child. Angry would he be if not help to find. So help to find did Porich."

"No say Melchior why did OverLord Protektor want child."

Winnacer glances over at Faewen'il who is holding the amulet. She throws him a nod to say that the goblin is telling the truth.

"More of a reason to get the child to safety," Winnacer sighs.

"Who knows about the child?" the LawBringer continues.

"None speak to Melchior but Porich and Shaman Breptat," the Lord Protektor replies. "But I see you kill Shaman Breptat by hit over head with mace."

"What Nyemetz forces remain in Opava and their distribution and numbers?" the young Lord continues.

"Garrison of Opava is 300 goblins and 40 worgriders," the Lord Protektor answers. "Worgriders on patrol. Not know when return will they. At warehouse battle were 120 goblins. Most dead now. Forty more on roadblock duty. Forty guard at gate. One hundred in barracks."

"How many shamans and witchdoctors are there remaining?" Winnacer asks next.

"Four witchdoctors and six shamen there be" Porich explains. "But one witchdoctor and two shamen dead now there are."

Winnacer crawls over and unties the Lord Protektor. He asks Faewen'il for pen and parchment and hands them to the Lord Protektor:

"Draw the layout of the Nyemetz fortress," the LawBringer requests.

Porich starts to draw. He draws a couple of guarded staircases that lead up from the top level of Opava city going up with gatehouses at both the top and the bottom of the two staircases that are either side of the main gate to the city. It appears that this is the main defense for the garrison and that there are no more heavily fortified positions on the upper level that contains the barracks and the Lord Protektor's offices. The more sensitive areas have small guards protecting regularly locked doors.

"Explain the design of the gate guard," Winnacer asks.

"Tower is there on edge of each gate," the goblin explains. "Ten archers in each there is always. Towers are reached by platform to barracks on inside of gate."

"Now is company of 20 goblin spears checking all who come and go from city."

"Are there any other entrances, secret or not-so-secret?" the young Lord continues.

Porich shakes his head:

"No," he replies. "Must to go up stairs to get to barracks."

"Do you expect any visitors or reinforcements?" Winnacer asks next.

Porich nods:

"Sent witchdoctor and guards to Ostrava after seeing lightning bolt two days ago," he replies. "They go to fetch Witchfinders to help us find witch that make bolt. Think I they arrive tomorrow. Not know I when tomorrow will they arrive."

Winnacer taps his finger on his chin, pondering this information:

"You know, this may be fortuitous. If they are expecting Witchfinders, we may be able to give them what they are looking for."

Winnacer grins at Faewen'il:

"Think that you can get some of us in there?"

"Of course if we decide to go with that disguise, we will need others to make sure the real Witchfinders never make it to town. Any volunteers?"

Faewen'il shakes her head:

"I be tellin ye time an time again. I cannae be usin the Witchfinder disguise to do damage to tha Nyemetz. I be givin ma word ta Rudolf that I be discrete with it. If I were seen to be supportin tha rebellion while wearin tha outfit, then Rudolf would have a lot o explainin to do."

"If that nae be enough, me uniform be havin that markins o Pardubitze on it, not Ostrava, whatever they may be."

The feisty one shakes her head once again:

"No, I be thinking that usin spells o invisibility an stealin in there, or makin use o the charmed Lord Protektor be a lot easier an less risky."

Winnacer nods:

"I guess that's out then. But remind me to talk to you later about what's happening in Pardubitze. I forgot you never met General Yan Zizkov. The status quo will soon be upset again."

Faewen'il looks a little concerned at this:

"Aye," she replies. "As soon as we be releasin Porter, ye better be tellin me what be goin on there."

Out of curiosity, Winnacer asks the goblin for more information:

"How many are you expecting and what type of access to the barracks can they expect?"

Porich shrugs:

"Not know that I. All I do is give story of what happen in Opava. Decision of Witchfinder General in Ostrava it be of what Witchfinders and guards sends he. Is normal for Witchfinders to go where please them."

"Much arrogant Witchfinders always they be. Think better than goblins they be," he adds with a scowl.

The young Lord pauses for a moment and then continues:

"How often do you pass correspondence to the rest of the Nyemetz and what is it like?" the LawBringer asks.

"No pattern there is to speak with Mnyesto," he replies. "Each month at end must I make long report. Very boring is it and write to they when needs things I. But Opava no is important to Mnyesto. Leave Porich alone does Mnyesto much time."

"What do you know about the ratmen?" Winnacer finishes.

"What is ratmen?" the Lord Protektor says, obviously not understanding the question.

Winnacer looks to Yaz as the interview is complete. At least for now.

"How you know it's Porter they got?" Yaz asks Winnacer. "I mean, good guess, but Porter's pretty sneaky. Although I guess if there was bad luck to be had, he woulda run into it."

"What other Bohavian would they have taken prisoner?" the young Lord counters. "Joy, I think not. Aithne, she split town days ago. It has to be Porter. But yet again, you give the man a bit too much credit. He probably is the one who told them where Baby Yaz is at. But there is one way to find out."

He turns his attention back to the Lord Protektor:

"Porich, can you describe the Bohavian that has been taken prisoner?"

"Try to disguise him as old man did he," Porich replies. "But he young like you. Rough look he through drink and many fights."

"What exactly was he trying to do?" Winnacer queries, obviously quite curious.

"Try to go through gates to undercity." The goblin replies. "Disguise good had he, but not think that Bohavians few go to undercity ever. Order I that Bohavians all that try to go through gate or out of Tall Town must to bring for questions. Disguise no can to hide mind from magick mine."

As Porich speaks, they notice that the Lord Protektor is wearing a very familiar looking charm bracelet, upon which is a miniature bastard sword, net, bolas and caliver, amongst other items.

"By the way, how did you figure out where to find the Baby of Prophecy and all of these dwarves?"

"Tell us where you were did he," the Lord Protektor replies.

Winnacer's eyes narrow in anger.

"Much work it took to get word from him though," Porich continues. "Few more stubborn that he have I seen. Very much shit to beat out of him must we. Nine hours and much pain took he before speak he did. Never I see one so want to protect his comrades as much as he."

"Is only because much training in art of torture have we that gets him to talk."

Winnacer's features soften, a vague look of concern coming over his features.

"Dwarves with baby not we know," the Lord Protektor adds. "Was bad surprise for us. Your asses kicked would we easy if they not with you."

"Do we know where to look yet?" asks Yaz. "I got a spell still to use today that might help locate him. It'll help detect that iron ball of his, from like, 130 yards away or something crazy. So if I disguise myself all up, and just walk around town, that might give us a head start. Prob'ly in the fortress, you're right, but maybe it'll tell us which part, from outside."

Faewen'il interjects:

"If'n the Lord Protektor be havin his charm bracelet, he probably be havin tha rest o his thins too."

She walks over to the goblin and proceeds to search him. Sure enough, in the goblin's pouch she finds Porter's iron ball and the rest of Porter's magickal items. To her great disappointment, the Lord Protektor does not possess any other items that might be of interest to her.

"I would imagine that they are keeping him in the jail in the barracks, which is marked here on the map," the LawBringer says, pointing to the scratchy drawing that Porich made.

"Is that right, Porich?"

The Lord Protektor nods:

"Right you be. In jail is he now."

Yaz shrugs:

"As for springing him, I dunno. I can get in pretty much anywhere without a problem, and I can move stones and wood around if he's in a cell. But Fae's got shit too, 'specially that kickin' wraithform thing. Before noon, he said... I guess we gotta take that seriously, although who knows what's really been said."

"Maybe an invisibility spell on me is the best way to go. Bringing the whole contingent maybe ain't the best idea... But I don't know shit, sometimes..."

"Yaz is right," the CornerStone agrees. "It sounds as if a small group will be better. In any case, I'm really not a commando and unused to such matters. We were all very lucky to have survived the fight at the warehouse. We all have our gods to thank for delivering us from harm. I would not wish to become over reliant upon my god's blessings for my survival."

The CornerStone's words are met by nods and 'ayes' from the majority of the masked dwarves. It seems as if there is little support from among them for an assault upon the barracks.

The stronger of the dwarves is the lone exception:

"I'll come with you," he says gruffly. "I'll never turn down the chance of a decent fight."

"Even if the rest of them won't help you," he adds with a grimace.

"We will appreciate your help," Winnacer responds gratefully.

"I didn't say that I wasn't prepared to help them," Rockrender interjects. "Just that I was not prepared to go into the barracks myself. I have a lot of people relying upon me in my position and, with the ratmen on their way, these people will be necessary to help ensure the city's survival."

"I am, however, willing to provide as many blessings to those that go as Zemnye blesses me with."

This is met with nods from the other dwarves, all of whom seem willing to help in any way other than accompanying the party on the mission to rescue Porter.

Yaz finishes his joint and rolls another.

"Man, you guys think my shit's good, you should talk to Lady Vev here, she knows her shit. Some good shit here. SOME good."

He nods and smiles appreciatively at the old dwarven lady:

"T'ain't blessed shit, but.... shit..."

Mrs Veverka titters once more:

"You are a funny one, young'un," she says. "But don't bogart that joint, sonny. I wouldn't mind a toke myself."

Winnacer leaves the Lord Protektor and stands facing the assembly of dwarven leaders who are all sitting on the floor of the shop:

"Our Rockshaping Companion has voiced some legitimate reservations about finishing what we have started here. And I am sure that all of you harbor some inner fears about what the consequences of resistance may bring. Such nagging doubts over the future of yourselves and those that rely upon your benevolence will only work to undermine whatever decision we decide to make. However, I implore you all to hear me out before deciding whether to pursue liberation or to hold off until later."

"For many months, my companions and myself have been working throughout Bohavia to stir the fires of independence. Throughout our travels we have learned much of the state of rebellion throughout Central Bohavia."

"Our actions started around Pardubitze, organizing the citizens of the outlying villages into soldiers and seeing them armed and horsed. Our direct actions have accounted for many units of Nyemetz soldiers. A farm compound used by the Nyemetz to raise worgs has been razed. The Witchfinder's HQ of Dvur Kralovye was blown to bits. Many units of orcs, goblins, and worgs have fallen under our blades. Dozens of Witchfinders have fallen as well. The losses of the Nyemetz grew to be too many for the local forces to take."

"The Nyemetz responded by pulling off an elite unit from their Eastern Front. Much of this unit, including its leader Kurtek, met their end at our hands, along with the Lord Protektors of Pardubitze, Dvur Kralovye and Trebova."

"In a nutshell, the Nyemetz in Central Bohavia are beleaguered due to a manpower shortage. The Eastern Front has escalated in intensity as well. Slovenes have been sighted within forty miles of Olmutz. The Churches of Olmutz have come together to prepare a defense of their city, anticipating the Slovenes to overwhelm a weakened Nyemetz front. As it seems the Nyemetz have no men to spare anywhere around us."

"With the Nyemetz resources so stretched, colleagues of mine have gone into Silesia to recruit the famous General Yan Zizkov. I have recently met the man, who has reviewed the situation and decided that it is time to rally the forces of Central Bohavia and liberate it. He has had about a week at the task, and should be starting to make his move soon."

"The revolution has already started around us. A Bohavian army has been raised in the Center under the Banner of a legendary general. A coalition of churches is certain to throw off its shackles once the Slovenes make their move. The Nyemetz are about to be forced to fight upon at least two fronts with no resources to spare. They have already cannibalized the local garrison of heavier troops because of these reasons."

"There will never be a better opportunity to strike here in Opava."

"The local garrison has been beheaded by us already. They have lost many of their elite troops and the majority of their magical capabilities. The Nyemetz have not the resources to offer any reinforcements. The populace of Opava is well armed and well trained in the way of battle. The Nyemetz have units scattered in known locations and are susceptible to well planned ambushes. You have at your service skilled freedom fighters willing to brave the lion's mouth if that is how we must achieve a death blow."

"All you need to do is organize your fellow dwarves. To prepare them for what is to come, to reinstill the centuries-old pride that lingers deep within each dwarven heart. We will fight for your freedom as long as you make ready to maintain it."

"With General Zizkov and the Slovenes threatening major industrial centers, the loss of Opava from their grip may just go unpunished. They do not have the resources to reclaim the city once they have been purged, unless they wish to risk losing all of Central Bohavia to the massing armies of Zizkov or Olmutz to the Slovene."

"Opava holds nothing of value to the Nyemetz. With revolution breaking out all around them, it is doubtful they will waste the resources in an attempt to reclaim it."

"There will be no better time for Opava to free itself from its greenskinned masters. Freedom for you and all the dwarven kin of Opava can be yours, if only you are willing to reach out and take it."

There is a long pause after Winnacer has said his impassioned speech. All of the dwarves are looking at each other, waiting to see who will be the first to reply.

Not surprisingly it is Rockrender:

"If what you say is true, and you have given us no reason to doubt what you say, the day is fast approaching when the time is right for us to begin the liberation of Opava that we have been discussing for more than five years now."

"If the Nyemetz are really so pressed for resources and are facing rebellion in other parts of the country, then it certainly makes sense that the recapture of Opava would not be a major priority to them."

"Although the loss of this city would be an embarrassment to them, compared to the loss of Olmutz or Pardubitze, it is of little consequence."

"We still need to be cautious, however. Although aggressive by nature, the dwarves of Opava have little experience of real combat. Random outbreaks of gang violence is one thing; going to war with the Nyemetz is quite another."

"In some ways, the ratmen invasion could have its uses in terms of uniting the city's opposing elements and also giving them some combat experience. Once the ratmen threat has been negated, then we can start to plan the demise of the Nyemetz."

"I really don't think it is going to possible to finish off the Nyemetz tomorrow, as much as we might like to do so. They are already weak and will fall in time. We have enough on our plates already in preparing the defense of the city against the ratmen. Let us take the time to do things properly."

He sees a look of some impatience in Winnacer's eyes.

"Opava was not built in a day, Winnacer," the CornerStone adds. "For we who count our lives in centuries rather than decades, another month or two of oppression is not too great a price to ensure that Opava will be free once more before the Spring."

The CornerStone's words are met with nods from the other council members.

A slight smile comes across the young Lord's features:

"I couldn't have asked for anything more than what you have said. It looks like the Nyemetz will have quite the springtime in store for them."

His eyes fall upon the Priest of Ohen:

"However, it would be quite a wasted opportunity if we were to infiltrate the Nyemetz lair and not leave them some parting gifts. To, say, explode a bomb of some sort within the main barracks. Every goblin we slay tomorrow will be one less that needs to be worried about in a few months. I would hate to let such an opportunity go to waste."

The fire priest sighs:

"Indeed it would be a great opportunity. The problem is that I simply don't have any bombs on me right at the moment or else the battle at the warehouse would have been over very quickly," he says, patting his slim pouches.

"If I had twenty four hours to mix up a good batch of Ohen's Holy Powder, then such would be possible, but we simply don't have that much time before the deadline."

"We have quite a bit of powder on us," Winnacer replies. "I have enough for a good forty shots, and if we can access Porter's weapons, he's good for another twenty charges. Could you do anything with that in an expedient manner?"

The fire priest nods:

"Forty charges of powder are enough to do some serious damage, but won't bring the whole thing toppling down on their heads," he replies. "However, that is probably not a bad thing, as using large quantities of powder in the city could be very dangerous. Remember that the goblins' barracks is right above the top level of the city. A huge bomb would bring the roof of the top level crashing down upon them, so be careful."

"But I think I could rig something up for you using the charges," the dwarf continues. "So what kind of a bomb would you like? Would you like a common high explosive version, a firebomb or anti-personnel? All of them will require different preparations. Also, why type of a fuse do you want on it? Do you want something that you can throw at someone, or something that gives you plenty of time to get away?"

"Bomb making is quite a fine art and not really something that an amateur should try and mess with. Ohen likes to punish non-believers who meddle with His works."

"Hmmmmm...," Winnacer says contemplatively. "I guess an anti-personnel bomb would be best, preferably with a long fuse to let us get away. But a grenade of some sort may be very helpful to either knock down barriers or call attention away from ourselves. Could you manage one of each, or is that asking for too much?"

The priest nods:

"Certainly," he replies. "I can make as many bombs as you like, but the more you have, the less powerful that they each will be. However, a couple of twenty charge bombs are still going to cause quite a mess."

"I'll put a three minute fuse on the anti-personnel bomb and a tiny fuse on the grenade which will just give you a couple of seconds to hit the deck."

"By the by," Winnacer continues, "if it would be possible to ask you to help me arrange to get it replaced later, I would appreciate it. I certainly would be interested in purchasing some bombs at some point as well, as Ohen's fury can be a great aid in Spravedelna's work."

"Well I can imagine that we are all going to be working overtime over the next few days in order to ensure that there are sufficient supplies to hold back the ratmen," the dwarf replies. "Let's see how the fight with them goes. Hopefully there will be some left over that I can sell to you."

"Remind me sometime to show you the great gunnes we recovered from the ratmen," Winnacer adds. "While the race is certainly depraved, they do make some powerful weapons."

"I would certainly be interested in seeing them," replies the fire priest. "However, I get the feeling that we might all be seeing rather more of the ratmen's gunnes in a few days' time than is healthy for us."

The Ohen priest then speaks with Mrs. Veverka, obtaining from her a quantity of glass shards, nails and other spiky objects together with a couple of small sacks. Winnacer hands the priest his powder and fuses and looks on as the priest creates the bombs.

Once the priest of Ohen has finished his work, the room falls silent once again until the silence is interrupted by Mrs Veverka:

"Are any of you young people feeling hungry?" she asks.

The dwarves immediately respond in the positive and so Mrs Veverka heads upstairs to prepare dinner for them all. Zosia and Maria head up to help her in the kitchen. While they wait for dinner to be prepared, the dwarves start to bark away at each other, speaking more about the future liberation of the city.

While the dwarves are talking amongst themselves, Winnacer heads over to Faewen'il:

"I'd just like to thank you for some superb work back there," he says genuinely. "You took a great risk in revealing yourself in order to finish off the goblins."

"Thank you."

Faewen'il just nods in response.

An hour later, Mrs Veverka comes back downstairs dragging an enormous cauldron of goulash with her and proceeds to ladle out a huge helping for everyone. The goulash is absolutely delicious, the multitude of herbs and spices added by the old dwarven lady making it taste like no goulash any of them have ever tasted before.

She then brings a bowl of piping hot broth for Yaz, knowing that the mutton in the goulash wouldn't be to his liking.

Once the meal is finished, Rockrender speaks once more:

"I suggest that we all get an early night now and get up early tomorrow before it is time for the priests to make their morning devotions. We can then be sure that we all choose the most useful selection of blessings for your mission to rescue your friend."

Winnacer, still brainstorming, starts to cobble together a plan:

"It looks like that we may have a bit more to handle than any one of us is capable of. Even if Faewen'il was to go it alone, she probably could get to Porter without difficulty, but she has said before she would be unable to change Porter into a spectral form as well. He'd have to basically find his own way out then. It would probably be best if we went in as a small group."

"That be right," Faewen'il agrees. "I can be makin him invisible, but not into ghost form. Tha goblin be sayin that there be locked doors an guards to be getting past an I nae be able to do that on ma own."

"From what tha goblin be sayin, Porter probably nae be in much o a state to be much help on his own either."

"Between Faewen'il and our dwarven ally, we should be able to turn four individuals invisible without too much difficulty," Winnacer continues.

"That won't be any problem at all," the illusionist agrees. "I can make as many of you as you like invisible. However, I would imagine that you are not going to be able to get all of the way in and out without taking an action that would break the spells. Therefore the magess should recast the spells to allow you to make your escape."

"As long as we equip ourselves for stealth, we should be able to infiltrate without making too much in the way of noise," the young Lord continues. "With Yaz' abilities to bend stone and wood, it is likely we can bypass most obstacles in our way. Yaz also can sniff out traps very well, and Faewen'il has shown talent in removing magicks that have stood in our way before."

Winnacer looks at the rough map in front of him.

"It looks like the biggest problem is right here at the towers. With two guarded gates, it will be very difficult to circumvent them. Even melding stone will leave telltale signs that we can ill afford. Using charm ensorcellments is always prone to failure, so may not be the best way to go."

"What I was wondering is if we could use Faewen'il's rope to bypass the towers completely. It is silent, needs not have a grapple, and can be quickly removed to avoid suspicion. If it would be possible to perhaps render the rope invisible to the eyes of others, but visible to our eyes, it may be the best way to bypass the towers into the barracks."

"That's if the gates are closed," Rockrender interjects. "They always guard them in my experience, but I have never seen them close the gates before. Providing that they have no reason to expect an assault might be made, I think that they will keep them open."

"Ye better be hopin that be right," Faewen'il adds. "Tha spell o invisibility nae be workin on tha rope. Only on livin thins."

"The four of us could then make our way directly to the jail, either charming, holding, or outright slaying whatever guard that may be posted," Winnacer continues. "Then, if possible, it would be best to turn Porter - and any others turned visible - invisible and make our escape."

"Of course such a plan relies heavily on magicks that may or not be possible to furnish. What do you all think of this skeletal plan?"

The dwarves all start to bark to each other. After a short while conferring, Rockrender speaks:

"We don't see any problem with it. It looks as if it is the best solution to the problem."

"It would probably be best to infiltrate as early in the morning as possible, as to leave a good amount of time between changes of the guard," the young Lord adds. "Means of ensuring quiet will also help, which Yaz has often told us he cannot provide through Prirodna's aid."

"My god does not see fit to bless me with that spell, I'm afraid," interjects Rockrender.

"Mine neither, I'm sorry to say," adds the priest of Ohen.

"Another caveat to any plan is to determine if attempting any acts of sabotage will be worth it and how we can go about it," the LawBringer continues. "It would be quite something if we could either destroy the remaining leaders or a large number of troops with one stroke as we make our way out."

"I'm not sure if there is anything that we can give you in terms of magickal blessings to assist you in that task," Rockrender says. "I think that the four of you will have to take care of that on your own."

"The last thing to consider is what to do about those Witchfinders," continues the young Lord. "They can spoil any plan we make and may become quite a thorn in our side if we do not remove them with alacrity. A planned ambush upon them as they enter the city may do wonders, but unfortunately my colleagues and I will be unable to manage such a task."

"That's another reason for going in early," interjects the priest of Ohen. "I can't see that anyone traveling from Ostrava would arrive here in the early morning. If they were close to Opava after a full day of traveling, then I am sure that they would have pressed on in order to spend the night in the warmth. If they still had far to go, then they would not arrive until later."

The CornerStone sighs:

"That certainly makes sense to me. I just hope that the Witchfinders didn't take the former of the two options and are in there already."

"So, does that sound feasible?" Winnacer asks. "Or does somebody else have another suggestion?"

The dwarves start to bark with each other again before the CornerStone once again acts as the spokesdwarf:

"I can't think of any better way of doing it," he says. "The plan is not without risk, but if the gods are with you, then I think that there is a good chance of success, barring any great misfortune."

Winnacer takes the floor one last time after arrangements for the morrow have been arranged:

"We still have not discussed the reason why we have met yesterday; the impending invasion of the ratmen. Perhaps a brief discussion is in order before we turn in for the night."

Winnacer's words send the dwarves groaning. One of the non-combative dwarves speaks up:

"I admire your devotion to duty, Lord Stradheim," the dwarf says, "but I think that we have been through enough for one evening. I really don't think I can contribute much to a debate this evening."

"Perhaps it is better to meet again tomorrow evening and discuss the subject," the CornerStone adds. "Let us cross one bridge at a time. We are all not as young as you and could really do with a rest now. I know that time is pressing, but there are still five days before the ratmen invasion, which I am sure will be sufficient to rally the forces. In any case, even us dwarves are going to have to be careful going through the gate after the warehouse battle. We would probably not be able to make much progress tomorrow in any case, as a result."

Rockrender's words are met with cheers and 'hear, hears' from all of the dwarves present. It seems as if the evening has gone on long enough for them.

Mrs Veverka brings blankets for everyone and all find themselves a bit of floor space for themselves and soon fall into a deep sleep.