"More than that, we need to find a way to take the Capitol. He'll crush everyone in this country who don't agree with him, and probably tax everyone to death," Xavier offered. But thy needed more men and fighters, ones who would be loyal to the true King or Wulfsen if and when it came to that.

"I know, I just want to make sure everyone is safe when he attacks." Wulfsen said, "Xavier, double the guards on the walls then come back here. Then we can plan how to take the capitol."

Xavier nodded and headed through the keep first, searching for any off duty knights who might b inside.

Wulfsen brought out a map and spread it across the table. "Alexander's forces can't be far behind you."

James nodded. "Not more than a day or two. I tried to leave some false leads in my wake, hoping to purchase some time. I fear I'm not very versed in military actions."

"If we can figure out which way they'r coming from we might be able to set up an ambush." Wulfsen said, dropping markers on promising roads.

"I tried to stay off of the main roads, and if any were right behind us, they managed to stay well hidden. But we came up this way," he said, pointing to an area that was mostly farms and forests.

"We'll have to send scouts." Wulfsen said.

Brie tapped Lia and Aislyn on the shoulders. "We'll have to come up with some defense measures for around the keep."

"Just kill everyone that comes in." Liadan said.

Aislyn gasped. "We can't do that Lia! Some may be seeking refuge from what's happening."

"Mortally wound them then, and sort them out later." Liadan amended.

"That's kind of the same thing," Brie pointed out.

"Well I'm going to be protecting my family!" Liadan said. "I don't care what happens to a bunch of strangers."

"But they are also someone's family. No, we have to come up with something better than that."

"The raiders had family too, and I'd kill every one of them again if I had the chance." Liadan said.

"True, but they were acting in a threatening manner. You're talking about just flat out killing people."

"They can't hurt anyone if we kill them BEFORE they attack." Liadan insisted.

"But it's not right to kill innocent people. And if they're not posing a threat, they're innocent."

"If we're going to end up under siege we could be dealing with limited resources." Liadan said. "They'd eat all our food."

"Then it's up to the gate to keep people out who don't live here."

"The gate guards are lazy and will let anyone they feel like in." Liadan said.

"They didn't tonight. They came down to the hall to get Shawn to go identify his father before they would let James and Olivia through."

"I don't trust your husband's judgement on who to let in." Liadan said.

Brie sighed. "I didn't say it would always be up to him. If they arrive claiming to know someone, the gate would send for whoever that person is to identify them. Shawn's not in the guard any longer."