"We don't have more time!" said Cyric. "They're already onto you, and it won't be too long before they are actively searching the streets. If we don't move soon, we'll lose the opportunity."

"If you say so," said Athgar.

"Now," continued Cyric, "what do you do after you tell them about Mistress Druina?"

"I wait," she said. "They'll likely question me about what I'm doing there, and that's when you'll speak up."

"That's correct," said Cyric. "I'll introduce both of us to you, and we shall talk as if there's to be a meeting between the Archpriors of our two orders. You've been called to help with the arrangements."

"And that will get us through the gates?" she asked.

"Undoubtedly," countered Cyric. "Cunars guard the gates, and they're notoriously uninterested in such things. All they like to do is fight."

"And if something goes wrong?" asked Athgar.

"At this stage, you won't be through the gates yet," Cyric explained, "so if things go badly, you can run back into the city, though I'd suggest you unleash your magic."

"Unleash our magic?" asked Natalia. "You mean cast spells at them?"

"Yes," Cyric agreed, "a simple demonstration of your power should be sufficient to convince them not to follow. They'll be caught between their desire to catch you, and the responsibility to report the incident. Given a choice between reporting and being hit by a spell, I'd say their decision should be obvious."

"What about you?" asked Athgar.

"I'll act surprised and talk my way out of it. We'll rendezvous back here if it becomes necessary."

"Are you sure?" asked Natalia. "We don't have to show our faces to the Church again, but the ramifications for you could be severe."

"I've handled worse before," offered Cyric, "but that's an entirely different story."

"All right," said Athgar, "so we make it past the barbican, what's next?"

"We head to the Harbour Gate," said Natalia, "but the guards there won't challenge us."

"Then we continue into the outer courtyard," added Athgar, "and keep our eyes open for the offices."

"Which are?" asked Cyric.

"On our left as we enter," said Athgar. "We're looking for the offices of Commander Morvus."

"That's right," said Cyric, pleased with the results. "And that's where we'll split up so as to avoid suspicion. I'll take up a position by the armoury. Natalia, you'll enter the dining hall, keeping close to the entrance while Athgar finds the office."

"How will I know which office to look in?" asked Athgar.

"They'll have signs," said Cyric, "and his name will be on a door."

A look of worry crossed the Therengian's face.

"That won't work," interrupted Natalia, thinking quickly. "But I have another idea. Would it be strange for a sister to be looking for a commander of another order?"

"Not if she had a message for him," Cyric responded.

"Good," she continued, "then I'll pretend to be carrying one."

"Someone might want to see it," suggested Athgar.