The days spent at Castle Draco are long and filled with activity. Alptraum and Mave keep up their practice with the Light of Nala, while Tulani improves her transformation technique and learns more about dragon combat techniques. Arkold isn't idle either: after visiting the castle's armory, he gives a saber to Ravenia and starts teaching her how to use it. The odd elfin-human picks up on things quickly, hinting that maybe she already knew how to handle a blade and had forgotten.

It all seems to go by in a blur, until the time comes to leave. A military escort and fast Drokars, along with Draco County's well-kept roads, make for a fast trip back to the border north of Crossroads. From here the group moves south on their own – although well stocked.

Tents are pitched in the ruins of one of the larger buildings whose walls are mostly intact. In the largest, Lilith spreads out a map on a folding table that shows the area. Marked on it already are their own location, the Twisted Keep a few miles to the south, and the village of Gormless further yet to the southeast, near Lake Gorm and the hidden entrance to the castle. "We have four days until the Apex of Earth," Lilith reports. "If Dack has gotten through the blocked passage by now, then that's his next opportunity to summon Dagh."

"If he has gotten through, yes," Alptraum says with a short nod of his head. The Eeee has given up his usual travel clothes, a rarity for him, and donned a set of fairly light leather and chitin plating to protect his upper torso and vital organs. Even along his main wing bones chitin clasps have been layered over them to protect against wayward weapon blows from immediately damaging the fine tissue and bone. In a fit of style, Alptraum actually painted the armor black with a small, stylized rune of Sunala on his upper right shoulder. At his side is strapped the blood dagger as well as a set of smaller throwing ones. On his other side is strapped a small collapsible crossbow with a dozen bolts. "It may be worth our while to go through the hidden entrance and check. And if he has, I have some ideas on what to do."

Arkold just doesn't look like Arkold lately. He looks almost respectable, clad in heavy chitin armor covered in his almost trademark long coat. His hair has been combed and put in a ponytail, his sword polished, and even his gun has gotten a makeover. All in all, he looks like an officer or knight from some alien war, grim and determined. "Magic's not my strongpoint, eh, I'll leave that part to you. I'm thinkin' we're taking a chance with the rear-route. If he found it, we could meet with traps or worse. Still, the frontal approach is a battle waiting to happen … " He rubs his chin, thinking.

Tulani taps a finger idly against one corner of the map while looking thoughtful. The sphynx herself is wearing a light armor, in a cut very similar to that of the Eeee, though without any extra decoration. Easily one of the least experienced of the group, she looks content to sit back and listen for the moment, trying not to feel out of place.

"I'm thinking both, actually," Alptraum informs Arkold. "We make it appear as if we are doing a conventional frontal assault while a smaller strike team that I'll lead goes in the back entrance. Since I have to deal with the shadow anyway, I'll need to be there. Would you be willing to lead the main frontal assault, Arkold? And … do we have anyone willing to try to impersonate Tulani and I … at least from a distance. That is so it appears we are with you."

Alptraum quirks a grin, adding, "The Gypsy gambit. Put on a serious show up front while the pickpockets go through the crowd, more or less."

The other Eeees look at one another. None of them come close to matching the colors of Tulani or Alptraum. "We might find allies in Gormless who could help with that," Lilith finally suggests.

"I can lead the frontal battle," Arkold agrees. "It might be that Mave or Lilith can impersonate you, Bats, but I'm not sure about Tulani." He glances to the map, tapping Gormless. "Bring the townsfolk in to this? Eh, we may be up against undead or worse. Are you sure we want to expose them to a real army of darkness? Think they'll hold?"

Ravenia nods to Arkold. She's also dressed in leather armor, with a chitin breastplate and banded skirt. Lucy the Fnerf is the most heavily armored of anyone thanks to Draco's armor smiths. With two giant shields, she's a walking battering ram.

"We don't know who they are," Lilith notes. "From what you described hearing before, they could be former soldiers that Vorgulremik held in thrall."

"I would prefer to not endanger anyone who isn't at least somewhat experienced with combat. Having people who may freeze in battle will not help," Alptraum says with another nod to Arkold. To Lilith, he says, "Then perhaps that is our first task, see what allies we have in Gormless and if they have heard anything coming from the keep."

"I'll go with the frontal attack," Phlagaea volunteers. "My methods for disabling defenders don't lend themselves to stealth. Besides, Mave needs to travel with Tulani and Alptraum to use the Light anyway."

"I'll go to Gormless. I have some experience measuring fightin' men, an' I've been in an army before," Arkold volunteers. "'Sides, if I'm going to lead this rabble, I want to see the troops."

"We should do an aerial survey of the area around the castle as well," Lilith notes. "Tulani and Alptraum could do that and still catch up to us outside Gormless."

Leaning quietly forwards, Tulani tries to get a better look at the map, not having much to add in terms of strategy and feeling very much out of her league as a strategist. The sphynx does look up long enough to nod to Lilith, feeling confident at least in her ability to scout, replying, "Most certainly, Lilith."

Alptraum nods to both Arkold and Phlagaea. "Agreed on both counts," he says. With a glance to Tulani, he hmms thoughtfully. "How good is your night vision? If we take the secret entrance into the castle, it is going to be very, very, dark. I have to operate completely by hearing down there."

"My vision is pretty good Alptraum, I should be able to follow you, and watch the rear if you take the front." Tulani notes quietly to the Eeee.

"The wags in Gormless should respond best to me, anyway. I'm the closest thing to a Gallee we have, an' I've been a noble. Dagh, I could say I'm a noble out here as well – they won't know the difference," the wolf says. He chuckles lightly, then shakes his head.

"Admittedly, we do not even know how large Dack's army is," Alptraum points out. "So I agree that Tulani and I ought to do some aerial reconnaissance while Arkold addresses our possible troop situation in Gormless."

"And if Lord Arkold's charm isn't enough, we've got food, medicine and weapons to woo them with," Lilith points out. "Where should we meet up again?" she asks next, looking at the map. "Not in the Disenchanted Forest I hope… "

"Last we checked, he had the dead and some camp followers. Possibly illusions in mass, too. We'll need to sort out the illusions first, before battle begins," Arkold insists. "The undead might be like the rest we've fought: slow, dumb, hard to kill. The camp followers are desperate folk – they might do anything, and frenzied at that. Desperate. The illusions … eh." He shrugs.

"It might be good to see if there is any terrain that might be defendable in the area around the keep while were scouting, in case the frontal attack might need to be turned to a short retreat, worst case scenario." The Sphynx suggests to Alptraum after a moments thought.

"I do assume you won't mention anything about the shadow and the light to them, correct, Arkold?" Alptraum asks the Jupani. "Now, as for locations… Tulani and I could just go to Gormless. Though I am not sure gallisians would be receptive to an Eeee. And as for the illusions, well, that can only really be countered by looking for holes in the illusion. Or so I learned from some Elves in one of my little trips into the blade prison." He then pauses and considers Tulani's suggestion, "That is a good point, having a fortified retreat point would help ensure in the worst case we have some survivors."

Tulani smiles slightly and nods to herself, feeling a bit better having contributed something to the plan.

Alptraum taps his chin and realizes something. "And one more thing we must keep in mind. We cannot allow the Light and the Shadow to conflict with each other. The results would be horrific," he says grimly. "So, if we make it to the shadow and I try to bind it … Tulani and Mave must stay far away from me, no matter what. Even if the shadow consumes me, you can't come to my help. If the light and shadow fight … it may wipe out a large part of Sylvania and create a forbidden zone."

"I'll tell them a necromancer has claimed the dragon's throne and legacy – nothin' more. That should rile them up enough," Arkold replies. He nods to Alptraum, glancing to the others afterwards. "I'll deal with Alptraum myself if it comes to that. Keep the Light back, even if we have to lose this battle."

"Better hope Dack hasn't holed up in the dragon's lair then," Ravenia notes. "You'll have to lure him out, otherwise."

"Smoke," Arkold suggests, "He may have magic, but he's still a man. Smoke him out, or let him choke."

"Be ready for anything, then, Arkold. That bullet in your gun you might even have to use on me," Alptraum comments, but then pats the armored wolf on his back. "But … hopefully not. That's probably me just thinking a bit too much ahead on all this. I just mainly want to be sure we don't blow up the country. While it's a good way to get into legend, y'know." He grins.

Tulani certainly doesn't look happy with the idea of letting Alptraum be consumed if that's the way things start to fall, but she nods reluctantly. "if something does happen with the shadow Alptraum, I'll stay back."

"Eh, I'd rather my legend not include destroying a country," Arkold insists. He grins grimly, patting Alptraum back. "Mine is a legacy of love, women, and adventure."

"With the first two being the most important, right?" Alptraum has to ask. "All right, everyone, let's split up and learn what we can learn. Let'stry to regroup no later than sundown."

As everyone starts to move their respective ways, Tulani taps Arkold on the shoulder, attempting to pull him aside for a moment, quietly asking "Hey, can I talk to you for a second?."

Arkold's ears perk up. "Huh?" He sounds distracted, as if he had a lot on his mind. He turns around and smiles at Tulani, though. "Eh, what's on your mind, Tulani?"

To Lilith, Alptraum idly comments, "This is I think the first time I've ever worn armor. Hard for me to imagine; a former gypsy now trying to stop a crazy man and save a country, if not a world. Life is strange."

Lilith pats Alptraum on the shoulder, and says, "Just pretend it isn't there. You'll be more cautious that way."

"Oh, no worries. I'm a wuss by nature and never want to get hit," Alptraum tells Lilith with a grin, "I'm just glad it's here to catch any wayward arrows and such."

Tulani opens her mouth as though to say something, and then closes it again, as though not entirely sure how to say what she wants to " Well… I just wanted to ask… that is, how do you make sure your ready?" the Sphynx looks down for a minute, scratching the back of her head." What I mean is… with all that's going on… how do you make sure your ready to go out there and do what you need to and not make any stupid mistakes?" When Tulani looks back up at the Jupani, its obvious she's nervous and probably feeling like she's out of her league. "Its just that the whole thing with being a dragon, is strange, it could go really badly if I don't watch out… and along with everything else I'm worried… " her voice kind of trails off.

"Eh." Arkold listens, scratching his head thoughtfully. "Well, between you and me, kiddo … " He leans forward and whispers, "You're never really ready." He leans back and grins. "Fear is part of fighting. You get as ready as you can, you make preparation for whatever you can think of as best you can, and then you go. You just go. Don't think about it too much. Courage is being afraid and going anyway, the rest is details."

Tulani blinks, watching Arkold quietly, ears perked towards him as he speaks… Her brows furrow together for a moment as that probably wasn't what she was hoping to hear, but eventually she relaxes a bit an nods slowly, "Alright, I'll try not to think about it too much and just stay alert." tilting her head slightly she finishes by asking "Do you… think it will be ok?"

"Everything's okay eventually," Arkold answers, waggling his brows. He pats Tulani on the shoulder, then suddenly pulls her forward and gives her a hug.

The Sphynx smiles and chuckles slightly at the Jupani's waggling brows and then proceeds to hug him back warmly, "Thanks Arkold, I'll do my best, I know it." Tulani then gives Arkold a little, playful punch in the shoulder before going back to rejoin Alptraum.

"Everything okay?" Alptraum asks Tulani, even though with his ears he probably overheard them anyway.

Tulani smiles at Alptraum and nods, "Yes, everything's fine now… Ready to go?"

"Good. Let'sgo. Arkold, see you in a bit," Alptraum says and heads towards the exit to the camp.

"That's Lord Arkold to you," Arkold replies, grinning at Alptraum.

From the air the Twisted Keep stands out like a beacon in the dusk with every window lit up by torchlight. And some of those lights are moving, carried by people on patrol atop the pinnacles, roof and even circling the castle on the ground. It isn't really dark enough yet to need to rely on torches, so they may be there specifically to be seen as a warning.

While many creatures have good vision during the day or at night, the hazy light near sunset gives neither an advantage. Unless they get too close, it is unlikely the two dark fliers will be noticed.

Alptraum's ears pivot and cant as he listens towards the keep for anything unusual, such as voices, or even the cries of monsters. "It's funny," he notes to the Sphinx flying nearby. "We're going into battle against great evil … and I feel relieved. For me this is the end to a journey I began years ago. No matter what happens; I will find an ending. A new story may begin for me, or it may not. I'm not sure it even matters."

Tulani smiles slightly as she flies along, scanning the ground for any large troop movements, or heavily defended areas, as well as any terrain or landmarks that look defendable in case the battle turns to a retreat. "I'm glad you find it that way Alptraum. I'm… a little nervous, But I'm just going to do my best and fight my hardest and we'll see what comes of this." she replies to the Eeee

"That's all you can ever do. I'm going to go count the number of people patrolling and the lit windows, if you want to look for a defense point. I'd like to report a rough guess as to how many people are in the castle," Alptraum tells the Sphinx.

The castle appears much as they left it. The old courtyard and surrounding grounds are clear, up to the remains of the fallen curtain wall, which could provide some cover. Beyond the old wall is the silent forest. A conversation drifts up to sensitive Eeee ears, coming from the solar - the room atop the highest intact tower that has a sweeping view of the area. "How's your arm now?" "Better, now that I'm not swinging a pick all day."

"Alright then!" Tulani states with a swift nod, tilting her wings to arc her flight path to cover a wider area, looking for any areas that might be useful for defense.

Alptraum's ears swivel towards the conversation. "Okay, that's two. Are these miners or ex prisoners?" the Eeee wonders … then wants to slap his forehead. "Of course, they were digging out the rock. So … they have breached the chamber, then."

To the north, along the road, Tulani flies over a ruin that still pokes slightly above the forest top: an old watchtower. The upper levels are gone, leaving only the first story and some of the second, but the walls are made of heavy stone at least.

The Sphynx makes quick note of the partially ruined tower and its position in relation to the castle, before continuing her hunt in case anything else looks viable as well.

Alptraum climbs higher, trying to stay out of visibility of the solar while still getting a chance to eavesdrop with his ears. In the meantime, he just starts counting lit windows and going by the assumption if it's lit, it's at least one person.

Several figures also stand guard up on the keep's tilted roof, where Arkold made his historic dragon-pulled parasail launch. The watchers are all dressed in dark robes, and have equally dark fur – or so it seems from a distance.

"I wonder who you are," Alptraum ponders … and also briefly ponders dive-attacking them. That idea is quickly shoved out of his mind, though. "Don't be suicidal you stupid bat," he thinks. Satisfied with the count from the tower, he starts to lazily glide downward and try to count the patrolling guards.

The surrounded forest yields a few more ruined buildings, possibly the remains of a village that once surrounded the keep. Nothing really jumps out as strategically useful to the sphynx, however.

There are six guards visible on the castle roof, and another six patrolling the grounds. From the lit windows, another ten could be added. All of the visible patrollers are difficult to differentiate though.

Not finding many other spots that look to be of use, Tulani does a final pass and then arcs back the way she had come, circling and keeping an eye out as she waits for Alptraum to finish his count.

"So, twenty-two, give or take. That is assuming they didn't light windows to make it appear that they have more. It's what I would have done," Alptraum thinks as he flaps along. "I wonder what happened to the woman and man. I haven't seen them out here. They're probably with Dack. Remember, you may have to kill them this time. Don't hesitate. At least their deaths would be useful for Kaira and her release project. Boy, is that a grim thought. Hear that, Kaira? You're turning me into a killer!"

Neither the bat nor the sphynx detect any signs of movement beyond the outer walls of the keep.

Alptraum starts his arc back to Tulani … but as he goes, he looks for one more thing … graveyards or crypts that Dack could use to supplement his army.

Nothing within the walls smacks of a cemetery, and the forest trees hide anything else that might be on the ground.

Alptraum nods once and swoops back to Tulani. "Best guess that they have around 25 people, including Dack and his two assistants. May be more, may be less, but there you have it. Should we go find Lady Arkold? Lord, I mean Lord."

Tulani quickly suppresses a laugh before replying, "I found what looks like a watchtower ruin that might be of use, the upper stories have fallen, but the outer walls still look sturdy. Before we head back, you mentioned something about seeing through an illusion by … finding the holes in it? While I doubt that there's anything like that about now, maybe we should try one more pass and specifically look for anything like these 'holes'? that might be a sign of a spell or something misleading?" she suggests.

"Hmm. Good point. The problem is the holes are usually things like fire that doesn't give off heat. Though it could be some of the 'men' might just be mannequins. Can you see well enough to tell if they're all breathing? I can try to listen for breathing or heartbeats. It's possible, too, that they may be concealing more men. Look for shadows that seem out of place as well," Alptraum observes, then glides back towards the keep for one more pass.

Tulani does the same, splitting off a bit and keeping a lookout for what the Eeee suggested, or anything else that seems 'out of place'.

The shadows are long at this late hour, but still show a few discrepancies. Mainly, some are longer or shorter for different guards, even though the men themselves all appear to be the same height. All other signs show them to be living beings, at least, and not zombies, puppets or thin air.

Alptraum climbs skyward again. "Now why would he want them all appearing the same? I suppose it would make counting them harder, or judging their strengths," he reasons. Now he circles slowly and waits for the Sphynx and her report.

There don't appear to be any anomalous shadows (or lack thereof) that might indicated hidden or disguised structures in the clear area. Beyond that, there's no way to tell if the trees are hiding anything, but Tulani's motion-sensitive eyes detect no odd movement.

Tulani soon catches back up to Alptraum with a confused look on her face, "The shadows are different, it's strange, but at least I didn't see any extra shadows out of place or movement that didn't belong." she replays to the Eeee.

"Similar to what I made out. Right. Let'shead back and tell the others. I hope our Lord has been able to sweet-talk those Gallee into helping," Alptraum tells her as he starts his flight towards Gormless.

The Sphynx nods and follows close behind as they head towards the meeting point.

The pair of fliers is actually able to catch up to their mounted companions just as they are approaching the fork in the road that would take them to the village. Lucy holds the reins of Tulani and Alptraum's Drokars as well, guiding them along.

"No looking at my butt," Alptraum calls back playfully to Tulani. He then dives towards the group and alights upon the ground. "So, want to the good news, or the bad news?" he asks.

"Oh, don't worry you've got Phlagaea to cover that ground" Tulani tells Alptraum with a small snicker as she lands behind him.

"I'm a gambling man, pick one," Arkold tells Alptraum as he lands.

"Bad news: They've breached the chamber. I know because they were talking about being glad they didn't have to wield picks anymore," Alptraum explains as he reties his hair back. "Also, they're using illusionary magic to obscure what their men look like."

"And the good news?" Lilith prompts.

"Though there wasn't much out there, I did spot an old watchtower that might be of use if a retreat needs to be made. The upper stories have fallen, but the walls seem solid enough." Tulani chimes in at the Lilith's prompt.

"I think we're looking at around twenty-five people total," Alptraum explains as his good news, "Maybe less, maybe more. I only saw twelve actual people. And I know Dack has two assistants. I guesstimated ten more from the number of lit windows."

"And no obvious signs of undead," Alptraum adds.

"Triple the number you saw then," Lilith suggests. "Nobody stands guard for twenty-four hours, they take shifts."

"If we do that, then I'd guess around forty," Alptraum notes.

Arkold nods. "And whatever monsters he can conjure. I think pretty highly of myself, but forty men plus monsters is a bit much. We should check on our volunteer army," he says.

"Bah, just flex at them and they'll be at your feet," Alptraum teases Arkold. "But if you really want help, let's go check on the poodles."

"I agree, let's see who's willing to help out." The sphynx says with a nod, "Hopefully there will be some willing to help."

"You can start with that Rhian," Ravenia notes, and points towards the village road, where a lone figure is walking towards them.

"Let me handle this. They're not likely to take well to true Sylvanians," the wolf warns. He spurs his mount forward, moving to intercept the Rhians. "Hail!"

Alptraum leans over to Tulani. "Sniff, I'm so proud of our Arkold," he whispers playfully.

"Hi," the Rhian responds, waving a hand. He's dressed in worn overalls and a straw hat that looks like it's been nibbled on. "You're the one called Arkold, right?" he asks in Sylvanian.

"Aye," Arkold answers, nodding his head. "And you, my good man?"

Tulani give Alptraum a playful smack on the shoulder in return to his comment while she watches to see what happens.

"Ow," complains Alptraum, though with the armor it's not like he really felt it.

"Bart," the horse says. "The bosses figgered you lot would show up before long. They're waiting for you up in the ol' tavern." He jerks a big thumb over his shoulder back towards the town. "Don't suppose you've got any chew on ya?"

"Feel free to chew on the bat," Arkold replies, gesturing back at Alptraum. He tips his head to the Rhian, then spurs his mount onward towards the tavern.

Mave tosses the horse something that looks like a thick piece of jerky, which he chews on happily as he follows behind.

"I'd ask where you got that but I'm not sure I want to know," Alptraum comments to Mave. To the others, he says, "Looks like we're expected. Not sure if that's good or bad. Only one way to find out." And with that, Alptraum follows after Arkold.

Tulani rolls her eyes and follows along as well.

The village square is largely empty, except for a few armed men in mismatched and makeshift armor. A few faces watch from the windows and shadowed doorways, and candles are being lit now that the sun is down. The tavern is pretty obvious, since it's the brightest lit building and has people crowded around the windows looking in. A few of them turn to watch the new arrivals, and their faces show just how hard their lives have been lately.

Arkold keeps his expression grim, not wishing to show any levity here. He figures these people hardly wish to see someone who's well rested and in good spirits. When he approaches the tavern, he dismounts, leading his Drokar by its reigns. "I've been told we're expected," he greets those outside. "I'm Arkold, and the ones behind me are members of my band."

A few of the soldiers come forward to take hold of the Drokar reins while people dismount, and one nods to Arkold and gestures to the swinging doors of the saloon.

Alptraum walks along quietly for the most part, his ears swiveling and listening to the people and the tavern ahead.

There are familiar voices ahead: the Gallisian commander's, and another that is oddly harsh, as if the speaker's throat had been wounded.

Tulani is quite sobered as she dismounts, looking between the people gathered about as she follows into the tavern.

Without further ado, Arkold rests a hand on the pommel of his sword and heads inside. He opens the saloon doors with a hand, pausing inside to survey the scene.

Alptraum cringes inwardly. "Lord, it might be the Yodhblakat," he thinks. To the others he whispers, "there may be some old … friends of mine ahead."

Alptraum then heads onward, following Arkold in … though trying to hide behind him a bit, too.

The Sphynx looks curious at Alptraum's suggestion… as well as his attempts to hide.

The tavern is a typical one for Sylvania, with a high-raftered roof for the main room, and stairs leading to a balcony for second-floor rooms near the rear. The tables and chairs have all been pushed to the sides to leave plenty of room in the center, where a few figures are bend over a miniature model of the castle and surrounding area. One, dressed in the uniform of a Gallisian lieutenant, is a familiar looking gray-furred poodle. The other is an Eeee woman, heavily scarred, with a hook strapped to the stump of left wrist. Next to her is another rough looking Eeee, who smiles toothily to Alptraum when he enters. From the rafters hang the ranks of the Forsaken – the exiled slakash warriors from Babel. The two leaders turn to look at Arkold and the others, and Barba rasps, "You're late, Barsunala. Time is short."

"Friends everywhere you go, eh Bats," remarks Arkold, glancing back. He then shrugs, walking to join the poodle's side of the table.

"I hate it when I'm right," Alptraum thinks and steps out from behind Arkold. "Good to see you again, Barba," he replies politely. To the one that smiles toothily, Rouge, he nods his head, "As well as you, Roogi. I am glad to see you are well." He then actually walks over to them and stands next to them.

"Gray?" Ravenia asks quietly at the sight of the poodle, which returns her surprised look and makes a slight bow to the woman.

"Well, at least we are here." Tulani murmurs at the mention of being late and rubs the bridge of her nose while looking around the rafters at the odd Eeee assembled.

Phlagaea smiles a bit uncomfortably to the assembled Babelites, while Mave just casually takes out her pipe and prepares a smoke.

"You know this man, Raven?" inquires Arkold of the human-elf woman. He pulls up a chair, then pulls up another one for Ravenia to take.

"He was my servant when I was Lady Veil," Ravenia explains.

The poodle, Gray, speaks, "As I was saying before our friends arrived, it has been two days since Dack stopped sending his dream-lures. I feel that means he no longer needs more followers and is ready to execute his plan."

"Huh." Arkold peers at the man, then nods. "I remember now." He pats the chair beside himself, so Ravenia will sit with him.

"Four days from now he will," Alptraum notes from where he stands. He can't help but eye the red Eeee next to him warily, though.

Raven takes the offered seat, and suddenly feels a bit embarrassed by the whole situation.

Tulani just shifts herself into a comfortable standing position and stands behind Arkold and Ravenia, ears open and listening.

"We'll need to strike soon then," Barba notes. "But the sorcerer must be ready for us. He knows our numbers."

"He can't know all of our numbers," Roogi points out. "We only arrived here the same day your deserters left!"

"What are our numbers, anyway?" Alptraum has to ask.

"And strike we shall – that is why we have come," says the wolf. He drops his fist on the table, hard but controlled. "We are committed. Now I ask, will you two join us?" He looks between the Babelite priestesses and Grey's group. "Will you strike at the necromancer with us?"

"Twenty slakash, eighteen men who can fight, and yourselves," Gray replies. "We lost sixteen to the dream-call, and the extra who went with them to try and infiltrate returned the next day as a maddened berserker who took down five of our men."

"Join you?" Barba asks Arkold pointedly. "Do you have some sort of foolproof plan of attack then, or special knowledge?"

Alptraum nods grimly at that. He's about to say more, but stops to allow Arkold an answer to Barba.

The wolf grins, meeting Barba's gaze. "That we do. Destroyed the dragon before with less, and we have Countess Draco's backing. We've fought worse than a man and some mind-washed followers, with fewer numbers." The man reaches to his side, drawing his rune-encrusted gun. "And, we have magic."

"The Yodhinala and the Blessed One are potent," Barba notes to Gray, who nods, despite the Gallisian distaste for magic.

"You are forgetting me," Alptraum reminds Barba. "And my ally Tulani also has a few abilities which greatly improve our odds."

"And the Barsunala destroyed Smashengrab and its tower," Roogi adds in. "The big wolf looks dangerous too," she notes, licking her lips at Arkold.

Barba backhands Roogi with the curve of her hook, snapping, "I saw him first!"

Ravenia just raises a hand to her mouth and coughs to cover a smirk.

"Guess you're stuck with me," Alptraum comments to Roogi after she gets hit and really tries not to laugh.

Lilith speaks up then, saying, "We've also brought extra weapons and supplies."

"Oh, I am," Arkold says, grinning back.

Tulani's ear flops slightly at Alptraum's comment towards her, and though she doesn't say anything at first, she does look towards the Male Eeee with a questioning look, as though silently asking if she should elaborate on that, or leave it unless asked?

Alptraum glances sidelong and lifts his hand, then waves it towards the group as if to say 'feel free to explain if you wish'.

Tulani returns Alptraum's gesture with a small shrug, unless he or Arkold felt it was needed or these other potential troops needed further explanation on the matter to be convinced, she would just let it lie for now.

"But, I'm taken ladies. So we'd best focus on the matter at hand. It's sufficient to say we've squared off with this man before, and that we are armed far beyond simple swords and arrows," Arkold explains.

"Very well," Gray says, crossing his arms. "If your plan is sound, I'll commit my men to it."

"Would you like me to mention my battle suggestion, Arkold?" Alptraum asks the wolf.

"Credit where credit's due, Bats. Go ahead," Arkold answers, waving the bat to go on.

Alptraum dips his head. "There are actually two ways into the castle. The front gate with an assault, and the underwater passage that leads down into the lower levels and the Dragon's old chamber. What I was thinking is that we should mount a frontal assault, one that is quite convincing, while a smaller group goes through the secret entrance and strikes at the heart of this problem, Dack himself. That way we don't need to win the frontal battle to win the fight. Just keep Dack's attention while we strike from the shadows. If he falls, I expect his control over his soldiers to fall," he explains.

Barba glances towards Mave at the mention of a frontal assault, and the Yodhinala give the woman a slight nod and a smile. Barba then says, "The slakash are prepared to storm the castle and strike fear and chaos into the defenders."

"Then we'll back you up," Gray tells the Yodhblakat leader. "With the green one's support, we could be more than convincing – we could succeed."

"If I may, I may wish that one or two slakash be part of the strike team that enters quietly," Alptraum asks Barba. "I will be selecting who will go on that mission and be speaking to them independently."

The prospect of rampant slaughter and looting causes a bit of high pitched and happy chatter from the rafters.

The happy and almost joyful reactions of the strange Eeee gathered above doesn't sit quite well with Tulani, but when you need help someone who's excited to do the job will work…

"I will be directing our forces at the frontal assault. I've fought across the world and others, an' if you stick with me, you might be almost as glorious at I am." Arkold grins, then winks. "This one's for all the shekels, I have no intention to losing here."

Gray seems to search Arkold's face for a few moments, then nods. "Very well, Commander."

"I will be leading the assassination strike team. Does anyone object?" Alptraum asks.

"I doubt any here are more qualified than the Son of Death for that task," Barba notes.

Arkold reaches over and pats Grey's shoulder. "You'll be my second, as will you," he nods to the Yodhblakat. "I'll coordinate the two forces, and I plan to lead from the front."

"That is what I expected to hear, but I had to ask," Alptraum admits. He looks sidelong to the red Eeee next to him and adds, "And I will want to speak with you later on the possibility of your joining my team."

"Let us work out the details then," Gray says, gesturing to the diorama of the castle. "And then gather our strength for tomorrow."

Roogi throws an arm around Alptraum's shoulders, and says, "Oh, I had no intention of letting you go without me anyway."

"Be that as it may," Alptraum says to the red Eeee and actually puts his arm around her shoulders now, "I would still like a moment to speak with you. To discuss strategy as well as what has been going on with you in general. I need to know my team to make sure all our strengths and weaknesses are accounted for."

"Sure, I have my squad chosen already," Roogi says, looking proud. "Three of the most vicious and brutal women I know. We can discuss details in my chambers. And you can bring your feathered friend along too, I think she is cute."

"She will be on the team as well," Alptraum tells Roogi and arches his brow a bit at the comment about her being cute. "Where are your chambers here?"

The red bat looks up towards the second floor rooms, and seems to pick on at random. "That one!"

Alptraum stops a laugh and nods. "You haven't changed much," he tells the red Eeee. "We will speak after this discussion ends, then. I'll look forward to it."

Roogi gets a cross, impatient look and seems about to say something, then pauses and just nods. "Very well."

Alptraum looks back to the map, then pauses. "Roogi, did you wish to discuss it now?" he asks the red Eeee. Better to not annoy the woman too much.

"I will wait, but you will compensate me," the Yodhblakat snaps, but not in an angry way.

"Grey and Barba, you're with me. We can plan our attack upstairs," Arkold says. He begins to stand, patting Ravenia on the shoulder as he does. "Ravenia, let's get going."

Ravenia stands up and snaps off a salute before following, with Phlagaea hurrying after her. "Don't forget me!" the Yodhgorphat says.

"I would expect nothing less," Alptraum tells her and looks back to the map. "I'm in trouble," he thinks, but tries not to dwell on it. And when Arkold stands, he realizes that trouble is now. "It looks like we are dividing teams now, so, let us go talk," he tells Roogi. To Tulani, he asks, "Will you join us?"

Tulani isn't sure how to react to having been called 'cute' by an over excitable, war-loving female Eeee, and so just settles for blinking and then nodding to Alptraum, "Of course, if she is going to be part of out 'team' I'll need to be there too… " The Sphynx replies before giving him a quick, humorous look that says /and hey… if she tries anything with you I can just turn into a dragon and eat her.

"Lead on," Alptraum tells Roogi. He does have to give a small grin back to Tulani, though. He knows that look.

Smirking and puffing on her pipe, Mave goes to join Tulani and Alptraum as well. Not having been chosen for either strike force, Lilith busies herself distributing the weapons that Lucy carried with them.

"And Lilith, if you think of anything useful we should know about the castle, please come tell me. You are familiar with the castle layout after all," Alptraum says as he starts up the stairwell. As he walks, he can't help but worry what his 'compensation' for Roogi will be.