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<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7178243" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Chapter 62</p><p></p><p>“I don’t see any sentries,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“They’re there,” Kosk said. “Orcs aren’t the brightest, but they’re not that stupid.”</p><p></p><p>Glori sent a quick look at Quellan, but the half-orc acted as if he hadn’t heard the comment, staring at the ruin ahead of them with an intent look on his face.</p><p></p><p>Bredan shifted and stifled a sneeze. What came out was barely louder than their whispered conversation, but all of his companions shot him an alarmed look. With an apologetic look the smith drew back deeper into the cover of the fringe of weeds that protected their hilltop vantage.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s pull back before we do something to let them know we’re here,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>The companions carefully crept backwards until they were well behind the crest of the hill, then they carefully made their way back to the shelter of the copse of trees at its base. With the forewarning from the cyclops they had approached the ruin carefully, remaining in cover until they could locate a spot from which they could observe the site covertly.</p><p></p><p>The ruin was situated atop a low rise that was studded with boulders. There wasn’t much left, just a few crumbling walls and irregular foundations. On the northern end of the site, just beyond the ruins, there was a thirty-foot cliff that ascended to a truncated bluff overlooking the entire area. It looked like there might be the remains of another structure up there, but it also could have just been a natural feature. It would be impossible to tell for sure without getting closer.</p><p></p><p>What they could see were plenty of places where a watching orc could be hiding.</p><p></p><p>“I think we should approach from the east,” Kosk said as soon as they were under the cover of the trees. “There’s more cover that way and we can be on them quickly.”</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps we should not rush headlong into an unknown danger,” Xeeta said.</p><p></p><p>“It’s not unknown, we know they’re there,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“But we do not know exactly where they are, or how many there are, or what traps or ambushes they have laid,” the tiefling explained patiently. “Let me scout ahead first.”</p><p></p><p>“You can scout?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“I have some small talent at avoiding notice,” she said.</p><p></p><p>“That’s something that will come in useful in this group,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>Kosk looked doubtful. He didn’t say anything, but his feelings were clearly written on his face. Finally Xeeta sighed and said, “If it is still a matter of trust, after what we have been through together…”</p><p></p><p>“I trust you, Xeeta,” Quellan said. “See what you can find, but be careful.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, if you get into trouble, just yell and we’ll come running,” Bredan said.</p><p></p><p>The tiefling smirked at him, then slipped out of her pack. She put her folded cloak onto it, then slipped out of her tunic, leaving just a light undershirt that highlighted the curves of her form. The bright red tint to her skin covered her entire body; if she was self-conscious, there was no way of knowing.</p><p></p><p>“They’ll see you coming from a mile off, girl,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>Xeeta offered him a smile, then held her rod and concentrated for a moment. As she called her magic her skin began to darken, transforming into a mottled pattern of pale grays and browns that closely matched the dry growth and bare rock of their surroundings. Even the pale ivory of her horns changed to a tan that fit with her overall camouflage. Her remaining clothes were already dark enough that they did not spoil the overall effect.</p><p></p><p>“That is cool,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>Xeeta smiled—even her teeth had darkened—then turned and darted off toward the curve of the hillside. She made barely a sound, and within twenty steps she vanished into the background of the landscape.</p><p></p><p>“Okay, she’s good,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“It won’t do any good if she steps on a deadfall or tripwire,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“Should we go back up and watch?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“It’s unlikely we’d see her, and if we raise any more dust by moving around we might alert our foes,” Quellan pointed out. “We’re close enough that we’ll hear if she runs into trouble.”</p><p></p><p>They waited there in silence, the shade provided by the trees offering only partial relief from the hot, dusty air. Bredan drank deeply from his waterskin and adjusted the fit of his baldric. Glori tested her bowstring and shifted her lyre so it wouldn’t get tangled up with the strap of her quiver. They’d already stored their packs in case they had to rush off into a fight, but as the minutes crept on the tension thickened.</p><p></p><p>“Shouldn’t she be back by now?” Glori finally asked.</p><p></p><p>“It’s possible that she had to circle all the way around the ruin to find a good approach,” Quellan said, but it was clear from his expression that he too was worried.</p><p></p><p>Kosk muttered something under his breath.</p><p></p><p>“What do you think, should we go take a look?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“That won’t be necessary,” a voice said from directly behind them.</p><p></p><p>They all spun in time to see Xeeta step forward into full view. Apparently she’d been able to approach to within five paces completely undetected. She maintained the mottled camouflage pattern of her spell, but once revealed they could see her easily.</p><p></p><p>“What did you find?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“The ruin’s in pretty bad shape,” Xeeta said. “There’s not much left. There are two orc sentries in one of the more intact buildings. They weren’t all that alert, but they’ll almost certainly hear your approach. One of them has a signal horn.”</p><p></p><p>“Where are the rest of them?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“I didn’t see them, but there’s a cave entrance along the base of those cliffs, directly behind the ruin. There’s a clear path leading through the weeds to it, and a big heap of trash just outside. I couldn’t get closer without risking detection, but I’d say they’re very likely inside.”</p><p></p><p>“So we still don’t know how many we’re facing,” Quellan said.</p><p></p><p>“That’s why we need a plan,” Kosk said. “Surprise attack.”</p><p></p><p>“That would be a welcome change, us being the ones doing the ambushing,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“How close can we get?” Quellan asked.</p><p></p><p>Xeeta considered before responding. “Kosk was right about the best cover being to the east. But the growth thins out considerably once you get to the base of the slope leading up to the ruin. I’d say a hundred paces, at best.”</p><p></p><p>“That’s a real long bowshot,” Glori said. “We’d be lucky to score a hit at that range.”</p><p></p><p>“We could lure them in,” Bredan said. “Make them come to us.”</p><p></p><p>“What if they decide to take cover in the ruins, and shoot back?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“That won’t be a problem,” Quellan said. “Orcs move quickly, and they’ll charge on sight.” He looked troubled, and after a moment Glori reached out and touched his arm.</p><p></p><p>“We can use that to our advantage, right?” Bredan asked. “Especially if we can hit them as they come out of the cave.”</p><p></p><p>“We’ll still need to deal with the sentries,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“I can deal with them,” Xeeta said.</p><p></p><p>“You’ll be on the flank, alone,” Kosk said. “If you get into trouble, we won’t be able to get to you quickly.”</p><p></p><p>“I can take care of myself,” Xeeta said. “Unless you still don’t trust me.”</p><p></p><p>“We’ve seen what you can do,” Quellan said. “It’s just that we want to make sure we all get out of this alive.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, especially after last time,” Bredan said. When the others all turned and looked at him, he blinked and said, “What?”</p><p></p><p>“It’s a decent plan,” Kosk said. “All right,” he said to Xeeta. “Give us some time to get into position, then we’ll wait for your signal.”</p><p></p><p>“How will we know when you’re ready?” Bredan asked.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t worry, you’ll know,” Xeeta said.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 7178243, member: 143"] Chapter 62 “I don’t see any sentries,” Glori said. “They’re there,” Kosk said. “Orcs aren’t the brightest, but they’re not that stupid.” Glori sent a quick look at Quellan, but the half-orc acted as if he hadn’t heard the comment, staring at the ruin ahead of them with an intent look on his face. Bredan shifted and stifled a sneeze. What came out was barely louder than their whispered conversation, but all of his companions shot him an alarmed look. With an apologetic look the smith drew back deeper into the cover of the fringe of weeds that protected their hilltop vantage. “Let’s pull back before we do something to let them know we’re here,” Kosk said. The companions carefully crept backwards until they were well behind the crest of the hill, then they carefully made their way back to the shelter of the copse of trees at its base. With the forewarning from the cyclops they had approached the ruin carefully, remaining in cover until they could locate a spot from which they could observe the site covertly. The ruin was situated atop a low rise that was studded with boulders. There wasn’t much left, just a few crumbling walls and irregular foundations. On the northern end of the site, just beyond the ruins, there was a thirty-foot cliff that ascended to a truncated bluff overlooking the entire area. It looked like there might be the remains of another structure up there, but it also could have just been a natural feature. It would be impossible to tell for sure without getting closer. What they could see were plenty of places where a watching orc could be hiding. “I think we should approach from the east,” Kosk said as soon as they were under the cover of the trees. “There’s more cover that way and we can be on them quickly.” “Perhaps we should not rush headlong into an unknown danger,” Xeeta said. “It’s not unknown, we know they’re there,” Kosk said. “But we do not know exactly where they are, or how many there are, or what traps or ambushes they have laid,” the tiefling explained patiently. “Let me scout ahead first.” “You can scout?” Bredan asked. “I have some small talent at avoiding notice,” she said. “That’s something that will come in useful in this group,” Glori said. Kosk looked doubtful. He didn’t say anything, but his feelings were clearly written on his face. Finally Xeeta sighed and said, “If it is still a matter of trust, after what we have been through together…” “I trust you, Xeeta,” Quellan said. “See what you can find, but be careful.” “Yeah, if you get into trouble, just yell and we’ll come running,” Bredan said. The tiefling smirked at him, then slipped out of her pack. She put her folded cloak onto it, then slipped out of her tunic, leaving just a light undershirt that highlighted the curves of her form. The bright red tint to her skin covered her entire body; if she was self-conscious, there was no way of knowing. “They’ll see you coming from a mile off, girl,” Kosk said. Xeeta offered him a smile, then held her rod and concentrated for a moment. As she called her magic her skin began to darken, transforming into a mottled pattern of pale grays and browns that closely matched the dry growth and bare rock of their surroundings. Even the pale ivory of her horns changed to a tan that fit with her overall camouflage. Her remaining clothes were already dark enough that they did not spoil the overall effect. “That is cool,” Glori said. Xeeta smiled—even her teeth had darkened—then turned and darted off toward the curve of the hillside. She made barely a sound, and within twenty steps she vanished into the background of the landscape. “Okay, she’s good,” Glori said. “It won’t do any good if she steps on a deadfall or tripwire,” Kosk said. “Should we go back up and watch?” Glori asked. “It’s unlikely we’d see her, and if we raise any more dust by moving around we might alert our foes,” Quellan pointed out. “We’re close enough that we’ll hear if she runs into trouble.” They waited there in silence, the shade provided by the trees offering only partial relief from the hot, dusty air. Bredan drank deeply from his waterskin and adjusted the fit of his baldric. Glori tested her bowstring and shifted her lyre so it wouldn’t get tangled up with the strap of her quiver. They’d already stored their packs in case they had to rush off into a fight, but as the minutes crept on the tension thickened. “Shouldn’t she be back by now?” Glori finally asked. “It’s possible that she had to circle all the way around the ruin to find a good approach,” Quellan said, but it was clear from his expression that he too was worried. Kosk muttered something under his breath. “What do you think, should we go take a look?” Bredan asked. “That won’t be necessary,” a voice said from directly behind them. They all spun in time to see Xeeta step forward into full view. Apparently she’d been able to approach to within five paces completely undetected. She maintained the mottled camouflage pattern of her spell, but once revealed they could see her easily. “What did you find?” Glori asked. “The ruin’s in pretty bad shape,” Xeeta said. “There’s not much left. There are two orc sentries in one of the more intact buildings. They weren’t all that alert, but they’ll almost certainly hear your approach. One of them has a signal horn.” “Where are the rest of them?” Bredan asked. “I didn’t see them, but there’s a cave entrance along the base of those cliffs, directly behind the ruin. There’s a clear path leading through the weeds to it, and a big heap of trash just outside. I couldn’t get closer without risking detection, but I’d say they’re very likely inside.” “So we still don’t know how many we’re facing,” Quellan said. “That’s why we need a plan,” Kosk said. “Surprise attack.” “That would be a welcome change, us being the ones doing the ambushing,” Glori said. “How close can we get?” Quellan asked. Xeeta considered before responding. “Kosk was right about the best cover being to the east. But the growth thins out considerably once you get to the base of the slope leading up to the ruin. I’d say a hundred paces, at best.” “That’s a real long bowshot,” Glori said. “We’d be lucky to score a hit at that range.” “We could lure them in,” Bredan said. “Make them come to us.” “What if they decide to take cover in the ruins, and shoot back?” Glori asked. “That won’t be a problem,” Quellan said. “Orcs move quickly, and they’ll charge on sight.” He looked troubled, and after a moment Glori reached out and touched his arm. “We can use that to our advantage, right?” Bredan asked. “Especially if we can hit them as they come out of the cave.” “We’ll still need to deal with the sentries,” Kosk said. “I can deal with them,” Xeeta said. “You’ll be on the flank, alone,” Kosk said. “If you get into trouble, we won’t be able to get to you quickly.” “I can take care of myself,” Xeeta said. “Unless you still don’t trust me.” “We’ve seen what you can do,” Quellan said. “It’s just that we want to make sure we all get out of this alive.” “Yeah, especially after last time,” Bredan said. When the others all turned and looked at him, he blinked and said, “What?” “It’s a decent plan,” Kosk said. “All right,” he said to Xeeta. “Give us some time to get into position, then we’ll wait for your signal.” “How will we know when you’re ready?” Bredan asked. “Don’t worry, you’ll know,” Xeeta said. [/QUOTE]
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