Trace grimaced as he looked at the commander.
"There are many things that could go wrong if you simply rush out and try to take him prisoner," He explained. "Oakdown may have increased power so close to the source of his magic. He could order men to defend him with their lives, or to kill the king unless the rest obey him. Things would turn into a bloodbath."
The commander pressed his lips together. "My men are prepared to give their lives in service to the king, but if you have some way to avoid the slaughter, I'm all ears."
"How many are up there?" Trace began with his questions. "What are your orders, exactly?"
"We have sixty men at the king's disposal. His Majesty is at the entrance of the cave with Count Oakdown and his magical advisor. Our orders are to kill all Foundrel insurgents inside this cave without mercy and bring them out." He said.
