“Hold.”

Lyra, who had barely spoken since the family maid appeared, finally spoke up. A few meters away was a large, crater-like hole, and in the distance, the sheer face of the mountain, dotted with similar holes. They did not look recent, but everybody knew that it was most certainly not an act of nature. 

“Is this it?” asked Chad, in a lowered voice. 

The young mage shook her head. She had a few ideas, but she could be certain until they actually got to so-called prison. Nonetheless, she proffered a conclusion that immediately darkened Chad’s face.

“I don’t think we were the first to attack this place,” she commented. “They are craters, left over from a previous engagement or similar expedition. If it is from an Astopolian weapon, which it very is, I would wager a single unmitigated hit would put a swift end to our efforts.” 

As was par for the course, Lyra’s comments were helpful but delivered in a completely tactless manner. The tense atmosphere of the group certainly was not aided by her comments, and Chad merely shook his head. 

“Well, we can’t fall back now.” Chad seemed to come a conclusion, and waved over a sailor. 

“Mr. Bennet, according to Mr. Lenz, the pit should be just over the summit. I want you and your men to hold this position. Fortify yourselves, and remember your primary mission: deny them of any and all reinforcements.” 

Mr. Bennet, a trim officer with military discipline nodded grimly, and he and his party of six detached themselves from the group for a more defensible position. 

With the first stage of the plan executed, all was left for the main party to rush the sad little Astopolian pit. After taking a moment to rest, and for Lyra to prepare her own defensive and supportive spells, the party forged on with her in front, making straight for the pit and perhaps utter disaster.