Standoff at the Stables

As it turned out, we didn't have to run as hard as we did. Maximus was well outside the glade where the Stable stood tall and proud. And, thanks to my work, it leaked less heat in the winter.

"Ah, and there is the errant Basilicus and the Survivor." he said on seeing us. "And both still alive, in spite of reports. So, this is what you call a stable, eh? I'd truly hate to siege anything you would call a castle."

I pointed to structures. "Stable, granary, armory. The wall, as you can see..."

"Is made of wood." he said. "But see those gaps there, up top?"

"Machicolations." I said. "Allowing them..."

"To drop crap on us. Literal crap, and barrels of urine. At least they only have the one catapult."

"Maximus. We don't want to be here after dark." I said.

"There's a river to the south." Basilicus said. "Deer may be sneaky, but I'll bet they splash just as much as we do."

I sighed. "We don't need to do this."