“Well, based on our situation” Titania began, “Our best bet is the main entrance, we can sneak in past the guards under the cover of the snow. They’re likely not watching the ground, and we don’t have to deal with climbing the fortress walls or traversing the sewers.”
“Sounds like a good plan, now we just have to cross the plains” Tanith added
“It’s so far…” Ilyana sighed
“It’s as close as Volke could take us without arousing suspicion” Titania explained
“It’s a long march, but it’s no different to the marching we’ve done up to this point” Tanith said
“It won’t be that bad, we just need to get inside, then we can find somewhere to take respite” Sigrun reassured
The tiny group set off to the west along the soft snowy expanse. The path ahead seemed endless, like they were marching across a whole continent. The frigid wind didn’t help, piercing through the tiny women, affecting the lighter clothed Ilyana more than the others.
“S-so c-c-cold” Ilyana said softly, her teeth chattering.
“No wonder you’re cold with that short skirt. You really should prepare better for the environment. Here.” Tanith chastised, before wrapping her cape around Ilyana
“T-t-thank you, Tanith” Ilyana responded clutching the cape tightly around her
“You’re awfully protective, aren't you, Tanith?” Sigrun smiled
I’d expect nothing less from leaders of the famed Begnion Holy Guard, Titania mused to herself, such capable, caring leaders. I could learn from these two.
“She’ll freeze before we’re halfway to the entrance. We can’t afford to be slowed down.” Tanith said, shaking off Sigrun’s compliment.
“The snow makes it difficult to walk, it feels heavier than before” Lucia commented
“We just have to keep moving forward, we’ll be much more visible if we follow the road, so we’ll have to continue through the plains.” Titania began, “We’ll climb up from the closer side, and try to sneak past the guards stationed at the main entrance.”
“Where will we regrow?” Lucia asked
“The plan is to scout the layout of the fort, guard stations, their patrol routes and their frequency. Then we find somewhere quiet and obscure to regrow and catch them off-guard.” Titania explained
“It might be worth it to investigate the mess hall and private quarters. So we can track meal times and shift changes, as well as where their soldiers might go when not on duty.” Tanith suggested
“That’s a good idea, Tanith, learning their full schedule will allow us to make surgical attacks on separate groups on soldiers, without alerting the others.” Titania agreed
“I vote for the mess hall… I’m so hungry” Ilyana softly agreed
“How are you hungry already? You just ate before we got here!” Tanith said
“She gets hungry often, it’s a wonder she’s so skinny!” Lucia answered
“I can’t help it…” Ilyana added
“I wouldn’t mind some of their food, at this size a small piece of meat could last us days.” Nephenee said
After an hour of marching, each step sinking into the snow, sapping their energy, Tanith checked the rear as her training had instilled in her. She spotted a group of Daein’s turning
“Everyone! A guard patrol has just appeared from around the corner of the fort!” Tanith warned, as the party turned to view the Daein patrol.
“A patrol? Our intel would suggest that they would spare the manpower and have the wyvern riders act as sentries…” Titania answered
“I suppose they have the numbers, I know in Begnion, foot patrols are either used as a disciplinary punishment or when an important official is to arrive.” Sigrun explained
“Let’s hope it’s not the later, I heard morale isn’t high within Daein forces since they used conscription to bolster their forces. But maybe they’re having trouble keeping their men in line?” Lucia pondered
“Dissension would help us move around undetected. Anyway, it looks like they’re pathing around the castle, but they’re a fair distance away. They would have to be right on top of us to see us in the snow.” Tanith said
“Let’s press on then, we’ll just have to keep an eye on their patrol route. We might not be able to outrun them, but like Tanith said, it’s near impossible they spot us.” Titania ordered, “Once they pass the entrance, we’ll move in”
As they continue towards the entrance, the distance seemingly longer and longer. After treading through the snow for what felt like days, the group eventually notices the snow becoming lighter and more shallow, signalling their arrival at the edge of the plains and the road towards the entrance.
“Phew… That felt like forever…” Ilyana sighed
I hope their aren't too many surprises going forward, Titania worried, unexpected patrols or otherwise...
“Catch your breath quickly everyone, we’ll move to the wall flanking the entrance, then once the patrol passes, we move in.” Titania ordered
The group scurries across the path, hiding behind an ornate pillar next to the entrance steps. As they wait for the patrol to pass…
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