Jehair was speaking to Ferus at the bar, leaning forward over a drink while undoing one braid. Red Safara and Vow moved across to the opposite side. He was enjoying the sense of merriment that had come about. Several more patrons had entered the well-lit tavern, and Ferus was busier than usual. It was also nice to have some questions answered for once. But, even so, the man looked at him through sagging eyes. Jaina moved past to talk to Arkan, and William confirmed Lamech was not making any moves.

This seemed to please Lamech, to be feared. Judging from the looks the other Thieves gave him, they were very nervous. Red Safara was the exception, and she gazed at Lamech with a kind of hunger that reminded William of a predator. A snake, perhaps, though he wasn't sure why.

Something about her eyes.

Lamech met her gaze, and his yellow eyes flared with a furious rage that did not seem personal but more general. William wondered if they were rivals or merely disliked one another. Perhaps Red had expected to take Lamech's place.

Either way, he still needed to get answers there. So William looked back. "Master Ferus, if I might. You mentioned Reg Hawkthorne.

"What part did he have in all this?"

"We know little of what he discussed with Lord Dinis," said Ferus. "But we know that the Baroness Saphra De Chevlon was present. She often advises Neral Dinis, though she ought to be his master.

"House De Chevlon fragmented after the two-hour massacre in Antion."

"I see," said William. "This Saphra, what do you know of her?" The name brought up familiar feelings like Arraxia. He couldn't quite pinpoint why it was so familiar. But her action against Octavian seemed like something Arraxia would do. Ruin a man's business without even speaking to him personally, despite blood connections?

"Well, she is high-handed and arrogant, at least at first glance," said Fenus. "But she always seems to be putting on a front of sorts. So often, she seems to have two minds.

"I met her once; she stayed in this very inn. I should not want to be the man who took her for a fool."

"And what did she say?" asked William.

Fenus smiled. "She was a good conversationalist.

"She seemed quite frustrated by something. However, she hid the fact behind a haughty demeanor. It seemed there had been some disagreement between her and her relatives."

"Did it involve Reg?" asked William.

"Now that you mention it, she seemed to think some agreement with him was bad. 'They all seek to undercut my glory' is what she said," said Fenus. That was a pure Arraxia style of line.

"Though I'm not sure she meant herself. She seems to regard herself as two people. One that is her, and one that is her but greater."

"I see," said William. "Well, in any case, perhaps we can help with this Barrow."

Red looked up, and William realized she must have heard that. She seemed somewhat impressed while Vow was taking notes. Her gaze turned to Arkan as though considering things. William realized they were spies but decided it did not matter. He was a Paladin; he was supposed to engage in such heroism.

It went without saying.

"That would be a poor decision indeed," said Fenus. "Many fighting men have tried to enter that Barrow, and all have failed. It is the abode of a terrible elf witch who died long ago in the battles against King Anoa the Bright.

"The howls of her screams can be heard as night, and the wraiths of her victims patrol all around. Even Neral Dinis has never been able to seize the burrow, though there were several attempts.

"Sylvar is not to be fought by inexperienced adventurers."

"I went into those Barrows once and survived," said Red, speaking for the first time. "Though I was the only one of my party. You'd be devoured long before you got past the first room. Even if you did, it's a maze in there, filled with traps and the corpses of people like you.

"You'd be lucky to get out with whatever you plundered. The only way you can travel through the underground is with a guide. And most of those work for Sylvar or Neral Dinis. The ones that don't are priority targets.

"Sylvar would consume you long before I got the chance.

"Not worth the money or the risk."

William had no idea what that last part meant. And he didn't want to know; that expression was still on her face.

"He is right, William," said Jehair. "She is a terrible foe, not one to be easily crossed. Her voice can tear men to pieces. And I fear she may have gone wholly mad with years." She paused. "Still, we will have to fight eventually.

"If left unchecked, she will become more aggressive and attack this place. We know that the undead hates fire; individually, they are not powerful. And with their hunger for blood, we might provoke them into a battle on our terms.

"If done enough times, we could weaken her power with proper strategy. That would decrease the danger and give time for a better strategy."

"What you say may be true," said Fenus. "But I'm not sure there are many with the courage to do so. We survive by staying out of trouble."

"It has come to you anyway. Seek those who would help and tell them of our plan," said William. "Arkan has already agreed to take time off from his plans to assist with his men. I have Jehair and Felix, both experienced veterans, and myself. And Massacre breathes flame and comes from a realm of enchantment.

"We are already strong now. But, with more people, people who know this land and the ways of survival, we would be stronger still."

"I shall do as you wish," said Fenus. "There are those who I think may help you. I will send some of my staff to find them."

Jehair nodded. "Then join Arkan and me at the table to discuss the strategy once you've sent for them."

So Jehair was trying to rally resistance against Sylvar?

This was new. But why? Was this merely trying to help? It seemed like an action that could have serious consequences. Among them, weakening the undead and providing Arkan with political capital. Being a heroic undead slayer. He rallied the peaceful villagers, which would go a long way in helping his reputation.

Which was why he was doing it.

Soon enough, the tavern was full, and many were looking at Arkan and Jehair. However, William got a few respectful glances. Most had knives, axes, and plow hooks as if they'd come in from the fields. Perhaps they had; William had seen the harvests also looked poor here.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"So, you've been recruiting then," said Arkan. "You have excellent taste, Jehair."

"Indeed I do," said Jehair. "Now, perhaps we should discuss strategy. Ferus, you've dwelled here your entire life. What would you recommend?"

"Well, for a start, once an undead has a hold of you, it is usually over," said Fenus. "Though armor helps.

"They naturally numb the flesh and feed on you that way before their teeth go at you. What are the ones with a physical form, of course? We have found a good way to keep them back with a long fork.

"Once they are held in place, another man smashes their skull. Though they usually die if one hits them enough. It is as if the dead flesh remembers being alive and dies again when injured badly enough."

"We noticed that much," said Arkan. "My company had a near miss and lost three men. Anything else?"

"There are also other creatures," said Fenus. "Some undead lack a physical form and must possess something to fill the nothingness. Even without a physical form, however, they can drain the life of someone or cause their heart to stop.

"They vary in power.

"However, all undead hate fire. A single torch can slow them, and several will keep them back entirely, save in large numbers. They rarely attack during the day, and places with many people and light are usually immune. You will have to start more fires if they are determined and numerous enough.

"I have drawn up several wards here and in several places. Others were put up by Pandora the Sorceress and Jehair. However, the wards are useless without people within, and they may be overrun by a hard enough attack.

"Indeed, that is why the village within sight of this place was abandoned," said Ferus. "Too many people had departed, and no defense could be made. Now, even if enough people returned, the wards would be useless.

"We lack the ritual."

"All useful," said Arkan. "But our priority is to thin their numbers. We want to destroy as many undead as possible without engaging their main force."

"They are attracted to large numbers of people if they have no light," said Ferus. "We keep wood stockpiles on the road so men can use them for defense."

"Then let us lure them into a trap," said Jehair. "We can linger within a defensible area and wait for them to come to us. Then, if we keep firebrands ready to light on a moment, they will gather in great numbers. Then, as they come against us, we can light the fires and torches.

"Such a thing may throw them into disarray."

"It must be a defensible location," said Ferus. "Somewhere we can hold out long, even without fire. And how will we even detect them in the dark? Undead can move quietly; this is professional speaking."

"The outpost?" asked Jehair. "We have a wall around there, and you could raise a torch for all to see for miles. With proper work, we could make a very defensible place."

"Would that not intimidate them?" asked Ferus. William didn't know what he was talking about.

"A lone torch is a threat to a single undead," said Jehair. "But when seen by many of them, it would be little more than an invitation. Proof that there is an enemy to devour. And they hate the living for possessing what they have been stripped of."

"Or they might be interested in bed and breakfast," said William.

That got a general laugh, and this pleased William. Everyone had been so utterly miserable before now; it was nice to have a better mood. Still, he seemed to have fallen into the role of sidekick. But, then again, when had he left it?

"...Do we have any bells?" asked Lamech, having neared them.

"Bells, what for?" asked Vow. "Is that some sort of shout-out to literature?"

"If we were to set up some bells that dangled on ropes over chokepoints. The undead would have to walk past them," said William, catching on. "The more they ring, the more come in. So if we put them up in several places, we'd be able to know fairly well.

"That is a good idea, Lamech."

As he saw it, Vow looked at him in surprise, as did several others.

"It's a fine start," said Arkan, holding a spear now. "What about the ones' that have no flesh?"

"I think I can help in that regard," said William. "I will play the music of Elranor and Isriath to defend the place. Jehair may spark such wards as she can. Could you create them so they only bar passage at a particular point?"

"Or we could just smash them and not waste time with the runes," said Red Safara. "I can handle a few skeletons in the open."

"What about a few hundred?" asked Lamech. "While skeletal archers fire arrows over the walls. All without regard to their own casualties? While the screams of banshees and wraiths resound and cause agony to your ears. And ghouls secretly burrow up from the ground, seeking your flesh?

"I think you might regret such bravado then. I actually made a profit going into that tomb."

"I can handle them, you yellow-eyed coward," said Red Safara. "I've faced all of those things. Are you afraid?"

"I am beyond fear," said Lamech. "And I prefer to take every advantage possible before engaging an enemy. You would do well to do the same."

There was a bang against the wall.

Swords were drawn, and everyone went tense. Then, there was another bang. William hurried to the door, and Lamech was with him. Opening it, he stepped out into the darkening sky with a hand on his sword.

Only to see Massacre rolling back and forth on the path, banging against the wall. William sighed in relief as Lamech howled with laughter, sounding very evil. William quickly stepped away from him and kept him in sight. He had an odd way of becoming disarming very suddenly.

"Please don't do that Massacre," said William. "You alarmed everyone."

The dragon head made a noise and snuffed flame. She sounded dismissive.

William went back into the tavern and saw them. "Just my chimera friend, Massacre."

No sighs of relief, oddly enough.

"You're friends with a chimera?" asked Safara in disgust. "Some member of the House of Acoria you are."

"I am of House Gabriel, milady," said William. "Massacre has been invaluable to my house and saved my life more than once. As I have hers.

"And she will be of invaluable service here. Her flames alone can solve half our problems, and I have seen her tear dozens of demons in half easily."

"Gentlemen," said Arkan. "This conversation serves no purpose.

"Massacre is welcome to assist us so long as she brings no harm to our company. For now, our task is one of battle. Jehair, if you would answer young Gabriel's earlier question."

"I could create wards to herd the undead into a particular place," said Jehair. "We'll need to have them at a chokepoint to survive. Unfortunately, provoking a direct confrontation with the undead rarely ends well. They care nothing for their own casualties and are relentless."

"Do you really think music will stop the creatures that dwell in this place?" asked Vow.

"Music has power, especially when focused through divine means," said Jehair. "And the Singing Sword can help."

"Undead are relentless," said Red. "At best, you'll slow them down. But, if we earn their anger, they will eventually overcome the wards. You'd be better off welding a sword; they care nothing for their casualties."

"Then that is also their weakness," said William with a shrug. "If they have no regard for their casualties, they will make mistakes; someone who values his men will not. So they will be wasteful."

"In any case, I think it best if we begin preparations for this plan at once," said Arkan. "I'll send some men to the village and see what can be made. Red, I want you and Vow to make a complete map of that outpost and the village. Mark all possible entryways and tell if you think they should and can be blocked or guarded.

"We'll want an escape route, if possible, and a main chokepoint. One that can utilize our advantages while denying the enemy theirs. Narrow, with cover from arrows.

"I think we can make it reasonably defensible before dark."

"I'll do my best," said Red, standing up. "Let's go, Vow."

"I should not make this attempt more than once, Arkan," said Jehair thoughtfully. "Others have tried such efforts before. And the undead usually comes in greater numbers each night. A perverse will drive them, and once roused, it will begin to get creative."

"You underestimate me," said Arkan with a laugh. "What a fine Twilight of entertainment this has turned out to be."

But he had no idea why, and it seemed irrelevant. And since he already had to balance several deities, he was still curious.

"Is that a play on words or..." William halted. Why did he care?

"Twilight?" asked Arkan. "The name of an ancient Elven Goddess? I gather Benarus had such records. She wielded the Goldenwood Harp."

"It might be more fun without music," noted Lamech.

"What happened to take every possible advantage, Lamech?" asked William with a laugh.

"Holy power is not what I had in mind," said Lamech. He sounded miserable. "I'm really not supposed to be working with you like this. There are guidelines to this kind of thing; it'll look like redemption."

Everyone stared at William. The Thieves were all looking gobsmacked.

"I don't care as long as we get rid of the undead," said Vow.

Lamech grunted in agreement in contempt. It was the sort of statement he seemed to approve of. This was the start of an odd campaign.