Gathering Information

Nurlan and Junayd wandered through the tunnels, using their memory of the layout inside the palace. While they had both stood guard inside the Castle Valiant many times, they had not been inside in months, and their lack of practice showed.

"This way," Junayd insisted.

"We need to go up a level and then past the officers' quarters." Nurlan argued.

The men stopped and squabbled for a moment. They used their chalk to draw on the stone floor and recreate the castle's floor plan. Finally they agreed and set off again at a more determined pace. When they reached the armory, many soldiers were selecting weapons and donning armor.

Nurlan was surprised that he didn't seem to recognize any of them. "Do you see anyone that you know?" He asked Junayd in a low voice.

The young soldier began to shake his head and then his eyes widened. "There! There is Captain Caleb. I don't see any of his men though. How can that be possible?"

Nurlan pulled at his chin.