[IRP] When Strength is All You Have Left, Is That Strength All You Need?

[WyvernSlayer]

It took Satsume all of two seconds to place himself between Fred and Orica. “WELL now, sir!” he said quickly, leaning across the table with his arms outstretched, trying to prevent one (or both) from leaping across to attack the other. “Given the direction this little chat is heading, we’ll be bringing the castle to US, sure enough. Now at the risk of personal injury…” he paused and gave Orica a sarcastic grin, then turned back to the table. “I have an idea that is sure to sate both of you. So both of you, please, keep your shirts on and your mouths shut.”

Satsume started tracing his fingers around the table, drawing imaginary lines to represent the castle. “So if they expect Orica to approach the castle, I say let her. They’ll be of singular mind, and won’t suspect that anyone else is involved.” He moved his fingers around to the opposite side of the table. “That opens an opportunity for someone else to sneak in and deduce their true intentions.” He peered up at Orica. “Because, darling, as much as you would like to think you know everything, we don’t know their plan to a tee.” He ignored any attempts by her to protest and continued.

“Unfortunately, I’ll have to go in the front with Orica, because the soldiers saw me enter the town with her.” He stood up straight and looked across the table at the youngster that had led them out of the rain. “Now I don’t know if this is something you’re up for or not, guy,” Satsume said, “but if you are, you’d want to accompany Fred in accessing the castle through some other means.” He crossed his arms and nodded. “Silently, of course.”

He glanced at Orica, then at Fred. He couldn’t deduce Fred’s thoughts on the matter through his expression. Orica remained as stoic as ever. Satsume sighed. There was no way of knowing how well-received his plan would be.