"Good, let's keep it that way," said Nezerov. "Who's our man on the inside?"

"A man that goes by the name of Commander Morvus."

"Excellent," said Nezerov, "then after I rest, I shall seek him out. Perhaps he can give me a better idea of what it is we're dealing with here."

Infiltration

Autumn 1103 SR

The path leading up to the fortress was steep, much more so than Athgar was expecting. He stubbed his toe on a stone and let out a curse, "Gods sakes."

"Saint's sake," Cyric corrected him quietly.

"Why can't you people wear regular boots?" asked the Therengian. "It would be far more comfortable than these things." He looked down at his feet.

"They're called sandals, Athgar," offered Cyric, "and we do wear boots when we're in armour, but today we're travelling as simple lay brothers."

"Still," the Therengian fumed, "it's a poor choice of footwear."

"Oh, I don't know," offered the knight, wiggling his toes, "it helps keep your feet cooler in the summer."

They drew closer to the barbican gate, and Athgar risked a glance over his shoulder, relieved to see Natalia still behind them.

"She's doing fine," said Cyric, "you must learn to trust her."

"I trust her completely," said Athgar, "but that doesn't mean I don't worry about her safety."

"We're almost at the gate," said Cyric. "It's time to start our little act."

"Here goes nothing," offered Athgar.

"Halt," called the guard, his dark grey tabard covering the metal that encased his body.

"Good day," offered Cyric in greeting. "We are here to see the Archprior of Saint Mathew. My name's Brother Cyric, and Brother Mathias, here, is my secretary."

The Cunar turned to his companion, who stood near the doorway, a book sitting nearby. "Brother Cyric to see Archprior Legault," he called out.

The other guard consulted the book, then waved them on.

Cyric took the lead, opening the small door that was within the larger. Behind them, Natalia had just reached the guards.

"Sister Marianne," she said, "to see Mistress Druina of Saint Agnes."

Athgar halted in the doorway, turning back to show a casual interest in the exchange.

"Brother Cadmus," the guard introduced himself, "of the Temple of Saint Cunar. You brighten our day, Sister."

Athgar could sense trouble brewing. He tapped Cyric on the shoulder, causing the Mathewite to turn and watch the developing situation.

"You flatter me, Brother Cadmus," said Natalia. "Tell me, are all Cunars so bold?"

"Better to be bold than a coward," said the guard, "and I'm no coward where women are concerned."

"But surely you've taken a pledge of celibacy," offered Natalia.

"Of course," the man responded, "but one must always tempt oneself to see if they keep their resolve, don't you think?"

"I see," she replied, "this is all about testing your ability to resist temptation. I shall have to mention this to the master of your order, it's a most interesting idea."