“This is not a military adventure, and while it may look at first like a raid, it is not. From the description of that monstrosity they’re building, if we are there longer than an hour, we are dead,” said Kaspar. “Coming down that switchback trail prevents a fast assault by foot or horse, so we will approach stealthily, and if we have to leave in a hurry—” He nodded to Pug.

“Each of us will have a transportation sphere, set to bring you back here.”

From the corner of the room a voice said, “I count eight of us going down there, Kaspar. That’s either too many or too few.”

Kaspar smiled. “Jim, I was wondering where you were lurking.”

Out of the shadows stepped the head of the Kingdom’s intelligence service and he was wearing an effective black cloak over dark grey tunic and trousers. “Too many, or too few.”

“That’s why we will split into two groups.” He pointed to Pug. “Pug, along with Gulamendis, Amirantha, and Brandos, will investigate whatever that device is, looking to discern its magical purpose, assuming there is one and it’s not just a majestic monument to demonic vanity.

“I will take Sandreena to scout out the military aspects of the place, with Magnus there to provide any magical aid we might need. Feel free to join either group.”

“I think I’ll tag along with you, Kaspar.” He grinned. “Keeps the groups even.”

“Wise,” said the former Duke of Olasko. “Given there is little difference in time between here and that valley, we leave at sundown. Get something to eat, some rest, and meet out in the courtyard just before the sun sets.”

Laromendis entered the room as the group was disbanding, and came to stand before Pug. “Tomas says he will travel to E’bar and speak with the Lord Regent,” he said.

Pug studied the elf’s face and said, “And…?”

Surprised the human could detect the subtleties of elven expression, he said, “I hold little hope you’ll get any co-operation from the Regent’s Meet. They’re handpicked to agree with him. If the demons come, he will not help; he’ll just order us to dig in and look for another escape route while the rest of you fight them.”

Pug nodded. “Will you go back?”

Laromendis paused, as if thinking, then said, “They think my brother and I are dead; it might serve all our causes if they continued to think that for a while longer. I will stay here with my brother, if you will accept me.”

Pug nodded. “Talk to your brother about tonight’s expedition. I wouldn’t mind you along to look for…anything the rest of us might not see.”

Laromendis said, “Of course,” and went to where his brother still sat.

Magnus came to stand next to his father and whispered, “What are we expecting to see down there?”