The mention of his superior seemed to change the man's attitude. "Well," he fumbled, "you'd best be on your way, Sister... what did you say your name was again?"

"Sister Marianne," she repeated.

"I don't see a Sister Marianne on the list," his companion called from the door.

"Sister Marianne," called out Cyric, "is that you?"

"Why, yes," she replied. "Brother Cyric, so good to see you again."

"I was just talking to Brother Mathias, here, about the meeting between our two Archpriors. I thought I saw your name on the list. Aren't you helping with the arrangements?"

"I am," she replied, "though I fear I'm a last-moment replacement. One of our sisters came down with a fever."

Cyric moved back towards Natalia, "I hope it wasn't the coughing fits again. It spreads so quickly, I'd hate to see others so infected."

Natalia cleared her throat with a cough, "I suspect Mistress Druina neglected to update the list."

Cyric turned to face Brother Cadmus. "I can vouch for her," he said with a practised manner.

"Of course," said the guard, eager to be rid of them.

Cyric indicated that Natalia should lead, and a moment later, they stepped through to meet Athgar.

"That was close," said the Therengian, once they were safely away from the gate. "I thought they'd become suspicious."

"No," said Cyric, "but it appears the Cunar order plays a little loose with the definition of celibacy."

"Can't say I blame them," said Athgar, grinning at Natalia. "After all, it can't be every day that someone so pretty walks up to the gate."

Natalia blushed at the compliment, "Now, now," she said, "that's hardly the way a brother of the cloth should be talking."

"I agree," said Cyric. "Now keep your mind on the business at hand."

"I will," Athgar promised.

They continued up the steep incline that led to the harbour gate. Two more Temple Knights stood watch, but they ignored the trio as they passed through. Moments later, they were in the outer courtyard, pausing to examine the area.

"I'm off to the armoury, just over there," Cyric said, pointing. "You two keep your eyes on the lookout. We're deep into it now, any slip-ups and it'll spell disaster."

Natalia looked over to the barracks, a large, three-storey structure, rectangular in shape, with its back against the fortress wall. Projecting out from either end were two smaller buildings, giving the whole structure the look of a squared-off letter 'C'.

"North or south?" Athgar asked.

"We'll search the southern block first," she said, "less likely to draw attention."

"Why do you say that?" he asked.

"The sun is to the south of us, so there's more shadows to give us cover."

"Good idea," he said, "let's get a move on, shall we?"