WE CAME TO THE EDGE of the forest only a half day's march from Treille.
There it was, in the distance-many towered, seemingly hung in the clouds, the sun glinting off its ochre walls. The good mood of our march dimmed, replaced by a troubled silence. There would be no deceiving them now. All of Treille-including Baldwin-now knew we were here.
I called the people closest to me together: Odo, Georges, Emilie, Father Leo, and Alois, the woodsman from Morrisaey. I had constructed a plan, but it depended on help from within. I have to go into Treille, I told them.
I do too, Odo chortled. And Georges. And Alois here. I want to open Baldwin's eyes. With an eye wrench.
No. I smiled at his joke. I meant alone. In Treille, I have friends who will help.
Just how do you intend to get in there? Georges asked. Sneak past the guards while Odo here juggles balls? They'll never let you through the gates.
Listen, if we are to take this castle, it can only be through trickery, not force of arms. Baldwin has few friends, even within his own walls. I have to gauge the mood inside.
