> Bege nods, "Indeed, the ladder is a capital thought. Now we have done
> well this night. This time tomorrow we will act. Yet with the
> morning light all must be as it has been. No sign that we are
> striking. What preparations you have for your households and the
> preparation of the ladder must be kept out of the sight of the castle."
>
> Turning to Sir Donngal in his litter, he continues, "I must ask your
> forgiveness, but I fear I must ask you to remain and command our camp
> to give us a place to fall back to if chance goes ill with us."

"Aye, m'lord," Donngal replies to Bege with a look of disappointment
clear on his face. "Though if it be my time to die, I'd rather it be
in battle among my companions, than chased down in the wood like a
hare. But so be it!"

Considering that he is now in charge of any last-ditch effort of
survival, he tries to think up a suitable plan. He asks Seamas if he
knows of any defensible sites in the wood nearby (since Seamas has
likely been all over the area lately fetching water, gathering
firewood, hunting small game, etc.) If he knows of none, then perhaps
one of the locals might know of an ideal spot for a last stand. Maybe
an island in a stream, or a cliffside or group of rocks to protect
one's back?

He'll also ensure that all remaining horses are prepared with saddle
and tack, in case a fast retreat is called for.


~Brian