Cracks in the Defense - Part 1

"But I asked her," Oliver put in.

"You need not explain yourself to me, Miss Nila Felder," Verdant said. "My Lord holds you in great esteem. That naturally means that I shall do the same. Whatever you ask, as long as it aligns with what my Lord wishes, I shall assist with."

"Fine. Well, I'll hope you'll excuse me for using such high-class men as bait, but it's about the only way I can see of us getting into range," Nila said.

"Fine," Oliver said, echoing her own words back to her. He pulled the bow off his back, and Verdant did the same. Nila frowned seeing them.

"What brutish things," she said, shaking her head. "Well, at least threaten to aim it in their direction, and they should recognize enough the danger of their range. Probably. I truly have no idea – but you asked, Oliver, so…"

"I did, and I'm trusting you," Oliver said.

"Is there anything I can do?" Blackthorn asked, sheepishly.