ooc: I will assume the rest of you concur with Rollen as no objections have been raised.
The skeletons continue to hold their distance, so most people at the keep try to catch some sleep, though ready to be woken if needed.
In the morning, the line of skeletons is clearly visible, encircling the keep, and keeping out of easy bowshot. There are, you estimate, something like 300 to 400 of them, though it's hard to say how many are in the woods. Some of them carry bows themselves, though they don't seem to wear armor or carry other weapons.
In the dining room where the wardens' dinner was held last night, an emergency council is convened. In addition to the wardens, the three knights - Sir Sam Ram, Sir Donald Rand, and Dame Ann Winter - are present, along with Steward Wingate, and Sergeant John Lowe of the infantry (who ate dinner with the wardens last night).
You don't see Mark Hatfield, the archer who ate with you last night; in his place is the archer you spoke to on the watchtower; he introduces himself as Sergeant Hunter Kelly.
The young acolyte Herman Rand is there as well.
Sir Donald Rand declares "We need to find out what's going on elsewhere. I say we open the gate long enough to send out the cavalry. I intend to be among them. Horses are fast, and the enemies' bows are scattered around their line. We will form a tight knot, and break through, suffering minimal losses as we cut down or overrun those in our path. Then we head to Specton. If it's done for, we will make our way either north or south to beg aid from one of the other Barons.
Unless the dead are returning all over the land - but if they are, I guess it's the end of the world. In that case, we toss our swords aside, or fall on them, and pray."
Steward Wingate says "I see no better option. Let's not lose hope yet though. How do we even know these skeletons are any more than illusions meant to scare us in submission? Surely such magic is easier done than such massive necromancy. So far, we have had no physical evidence of contact, nor have any fallen to our bowshots. I feel that the real enemy has not yet shown himself.
In any case, wardens, I suggest we eat breakfast first. If we are to die, we might as well enjoy life a little first. It is your decision about whether to use the magic of the heroes' feast today, or to save it for a later day. I remind you that it only functions once a week."
