Plans

Timestamp: Stoneshade Keep - Lord Commander's office - two days before Festival of Fall.

Sir Eudon Zane stood at attention waiting for the Duke to address him. The man was pouring over the reports compiled in the last few days on the new arrivals, including most recruits.

"They are coming from wider afield now. Not just from Salos." He noted seeing arrivals from Mizar, Garrah and Torjas had joined the colonial army. Even someone claiming to be from Kru'll. Sir Zane did not reply, knowing none was required.

"Soon we must be mindful of spies. If there aren't any already in our midst." He concluded, wondering not for the first time if he needed to appoint a master of the fifth column sooner than he had hoped.

Zane was the Duke's second in command however the rivalry between their houses stretched back as far as both men could trace their lineage.

"Sit." The Lord Commander ordered. "Your advised on the Arbiter was very helpful." He told Zane who nodded.
"I have selected 5 soldiers to join her and her party. Some have traded with the Odsier before. We will assign her a scout as well."

The Duke nodded. "And the goods?"
"I secured two casks of ale. We are also sending 10 leather saddles, modified as per your instructions, a box of iron nails and spikes, a few crates of purple potatoes, some assorted metal tools and glass." Zane enumerated all the goods.

"Excellent. A true trading party. It should give enough cover for the Arbiter to undertake her investigation and to secure us a few of horses and cattle." The Lord Commander picked up a dagger from his desk opened a letter with it.
"And your own mission?"

"I'm ready. I will take a scout and soldier that impressed during training. We will travel fast and light." Zane told the Duke. "What about our final member? Have we secured their services?"

"Not yet. But I will." He grinned. Tye pieces were falling nicely into place...