Outside the Keep, Blackthorne's captain, Ian, observed the Keep from the surrounding woods. He took note of the number of guards still standing watch on the walls, the weapons stacked closely to hand.

"Does the man never let down his guard?" He complained to his lieutenant. "The man is throwing a bloody party and his walls have more guards than usual."

"Aye, the man is a canny commander. He knows when he might be vulnerable and moves to counteract any weaknesses."

"I don't even see signs the guard is drinking. It's a waste of time to be sitting here. The Keep is way too strong to attack when they're prepared...