Breck glared at Leon, his brow furrowing like a caterpillar bundling itself inward. “Supporting Commander Raibal is a major need,” Breck said, “Commander Raibal is a fine man and a seasoned officer and fighter. And his role in reclaiming Scardale Town will be invaluable. As you have guessed we will begin with the bulk of this company marching east and joining with Commander Raibal’s forces. Most of my men as well as a fair number of you lot will aid the commander in holding his ground and defending the good people of the city.”

“A fair number?” questioned one of the halfling pair.

“Those of you not joining in the efforts on the north side of the city will be sent across the river.” Breck nodded.

“To infiltrate the Talons and this other ‘guild’.” the other halfling stated the obvious.

Breck nodded, “Infiltration is ideal. But if you find other ways to disrupt or even cripple their efforts all the better. My best scouts will be helping those on the south part of the city, keeping eyes on the streets, asking around, and looking for weaknesses in these two other groups. The thieves guild will be simple… this other group though… A shame we do not have another wizard adept among us, eh, Leifar?”

The bearded wizard nearby shook his head in a visible reaction of irritation, “I already told you, Breck. That will not be so. At least not from the Chandlerscross tower. After all, I am… not even supposed to be here.”

“Yes, of course,” Breck snorted with a smile, “your fellows believe you to be in Shadowdale for the time.”

“So,” the Helmite woman spoke up, “most of us, here at the first of all this, will be working to help stop the Red Wizards from claiming the whole north side of the city while the rest work to weaken or even wipe out the miscreants across the river. That brings to question if we will receive any other aid…?”

“I am already preparing a letter to send to Lord Hastlon to inform him of your arrival,” Breck replied, “and I will be requesting additional manpower from his personal company. I will also be extending… ‘feelers’ of my own to see if some old friends of mine could be of help even if indirectly.”

“Just who will be going where? I mean… who will be standing with the watch and who will be crossing over into the southern part of the city?” asked one of the sword-arms.

“That shall be decided right now.”