The night is long and the fire burns low as the three companions relax on the embankment sands of the Darry gorge.

“It seems that there is more going on in Kera’Bur than simply a barbarian invasion.”

Hood pokes at the fire with a stick, carefully listening to Madeleine’s reconnaissance.

“It appears that the King - King Kerman - clings tenuously to power and that his youngest son Prince Mupert having eyed the throne has decided to cast in his lot and, taking advantage of the situation, is attempting to use hired mercenaries and his cohort of guards to overthrow his father and make himself the ruler. If things had gone to plan Prince Mupert would now be in power, but as things turned out Kerman was alerted to the scheme and what would have been an almost invisible power play has erupted into factional skirmishes across the city.”

“The dastard! I have not only heard of Mupert but have had the misfortune of meeting him. He is a cowardly twisted man with little wit and lacklustre manners. The type one would hope...”

Madeleine ignores Helmet’s interruption and continues: “So there are three factions that we need contend with...or more correctly avoid. Tonight the barbarians have breached the city wall and moved into the Outer Fayre. With the state of unrest within the city I cannot see the inner wall holding much longer which means if we are to get to the library we will have to move as quickly as possible. Tonight is out of the question so tomorrow evening is probably a necessity.”

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Hood contemplates Madeleines words, listening to the pop and fizzle of the fire.

Madeleine turns to Helmet: ”So, within this maelstrom of politics, where sits you?”

“I?” Helmet clears his throat. “Well, I am but an innocent bystander to this chaos. A simple traveller whose misfortune has placed him at an inconvenience.” He clears his throat again, before continuing. “But if pressed, I believe myself to be aligned with a fourth faction, that of yourselves, for I have found myself in a life debt to our mutual friend, Hood here.”

“Indeed.” Madeleine turns to Hood. “So what say you Hood? Our plan of action?”

Hood takes a glowing stick from the fire and begins to sketch out a plan, occasionally lifting his head to cast a questioning gaze at Madeleine.

“Yes, I can get you to there. Uh huh! Yes. No, we enter via the grates beneath the bridge. Yep. Hmmm, maybe…You’ve memorised the city remarkably well.”

With quick flicks of his wrist and the placement here and there of a variety of stones and twigs, we begin to perceive Hood’s intent...

“Hmm, masterly!” says Helmet.

“Interesting,” says Madeleine who continues her critique “But is the bell tower really the best option?”

Hood shrugs.

“You haven’t really thought this out have you?” says Madeleine with mock incredulity, staring pointedly at Hood. She takes a deep breath and sighs, gently shaking her head: “Why am I not surprised?”

Hood stares back in silence. Madeleine smiles.

“Tomorrow evening then?”