[Himaran]

Raen could see the desperation in Sandrina's eyes, and felt Hama's keen stare pierce through him. Braedon and the others stood by, waiting for a reply. Yes, of course you have a plan. Tell them! He decided to use the safest of his several ideas. "We cannot go after them untill your home is cleared. There is a band of trees that runs from the top of this hill down to the estate's wall, by the stables. We can approach behind it, unseen. Doubtlessly there are enemies, waiting for us to enter. Perhaps some of us should go through the gate, while others scale the wall."

"At any rate, let's get down this hill," said Braedon. "On foot, though." The others tied their horses to nearby trees and followed the rangers, weapons at ready. But Raen was already worrying greatly. This is a fool's plan. Archers could pick us off easily. But as the group headed towards the outer wall, under the cover of the trees, no shafts harrassed them. It was as if the residents had merely... left, without a rearguard of sorts. Such a situation was almost too good to hope for, Raen mused.

They stopped at the wall. Knowing that the gate was around the corner, Raen hesitated to give any further orders. It was Sandrina's decision, yet she looked to him for answers. Decided to take charge, he whispered to Hama. "Take Sandrina and the others up to the gates. Wait there; Braedon and I will climb this wall and have a look around."

Raen clambered up, and promptly helped Braedon over. They jumped down onto the grass and looked around. "There's someone here," murmured Braedon, and his companion merely nodded. But where...