Gwair is quick to respond to Bege's comments,

"I am most glad that my efforts have proved fruitful! To be honest my
Lord, during the past few days it has seemed a thankless task. Yes, I
was able to help some of the bowmen make contact with their family,
but there was little sign of those on the inside coming to our
assistance. This is surprising news, but all the more wonderful for that.

I suggest we call for Ieuan's old companion again. I suspect he maybe
able to offer us further advice here. Maybe he can offer advice as to
how to protect ourselves from the force above, and whereabouts in the
upper level the maid might be kept? Perhaps we could see if our new
found friends inside the castle might be able to persuade her guards
to also come to our aid - although that of course might risk alerting
others to our plans.

It will be good to ready ourselves for action. Although these last
days have not been wasted, they have been frustrating and I for one
grow restless." Turning to the others he adds, "I am sure I am not
alone - although Morien perhaps is tired out from his exertions with
the fortifications!"

"Hardly tired, Sir Gwair. More like restless like a hound who has the
scent of the prey." Morien replies to the knight and then glances at
the young man acting as the herald of the guards inside the gatehouse.
"Tell me, where do the guards sleep? At the gatehouse itself?"

"Since the siege has started we have. And not a particularly
comfortable place it is," The young man answers.

"Do they have any access to the upper portion of the castle?"

"No sir, we are kept in the lower section of the castle."

"Is the upper gate barred at all times?"

"No sir, during the day it is open, though guarded."

Morien then explains his thought further. "I was thinking... if we
could sneak a portion of our forces into the gatehouse under the cover
of darkness, we could try storming the upper portion with strength,
before the ruffians realize that their defenses have been breached."

The young man thinks a moment then says, "I suppose so sir. With us
out and on our way, why you could pack in a score or more lads into
the gatehouse. You can even have these badges to wear if you like."
The youth points to a red cloth with a three pointed knot-work pattern
embroidered in white on it. "They started handing them out a few days
ago."

Morien grunts, "In any case, I recommend that we take this offer. We
have no quarrel with the mercenaries themselves, and it would gain us
a good foothold inside the castle itself. I doubt it puts the girl
into any more danger than she already is. If anything, our success
ought to make the people holding her less inclined to mistreat her,
knowing that our vengeance would be great."

The young man brightens visibly.

Tathal runs his fingers though his hair as he frowns at the ground,
thinking it over. "My lord, I have an idea. If a small force was
assigned to hurry to the tower while the rest still battle our foes
then I pray that they would be able to get there quickly enough to
prevent harm being done to the maid. Once there they can dispatch her
guards and escort her to our camp."

"Indeed," Sir Bege answers, "but what of Sir Gwair's question, young
man could you persuade the guards of the inner keep to also yield?"

"Oh, I would think that a bit much to do Sir," he responds. "They are
not country men of you and me. They speak a strange tongue, and
probably don't think like good men, being foreigners, so could not be
reasoned with. Besides they came as a company captained by that Sir
Burcan, and well you've met him. I suspect you'll have to kill the lot."

Bege holds out his hand to the youth, "Very well then, here is my
surety and pledge. Yield us the main gatehouse and I will see you
safe to the borders of this land, then free to go where you please.
Now wait outside a time while we arrange to return you to your fellows
so they may know of this and when we will act."

The youth enthusiastically takes Bege by the hand. "A great relief
it'll be to my mates to know this. We are heartily sick of this
country and place."

With the youth removed Bege continues, "I did not want to speak to
openly of our further actions in front of the lad. Things may go
amiss with him or he may very skillfully be playing false with us.
But I believe we have the makings of a plan. I think our chance is
the fact the inner gate is open during the day. As you all have
suggested, we will enter the gatehouse at night then send a forlorn
hope to seize the inner gate and find the maid. The wearing of those
badges will give our forlorn hope a chance to surprise those that
guard the gate and the maid."

"Now I shall send for Ieuan's man, to see if he recalls the floor plan
of the tower, and where the maid will likely be held. While we wait
for him to come, any further thoughts to improve our plan would be
appreciated. I think tomorrow night we'll make the gatehouse ours."

Actions?

OOC: Finally on an even keel. Expect to post regularly now. Thanks
for your patience. Wife is doing well. Thanks.

Greg