A Piece of the Actual Plan

Not seeing many options, I returned to where Malkin was seated, with a clear view of the walls. He had a smaller version of a naval spyglass, and was looking through it.

"Have a seat," he said, indicating the ground next to him. "It's about to get interesting."

I hefted a box, which I shouldn't have done. For one thing, it gave away the magnitude of my returning strength. For another... "What is this crate full of?" I asked. "Lead bars?"

I set it down, nursing both of my shoulders, my elbows. There was no corresponding damage indicator, but I knew pain when I felt it.

Malkin snorted. "Books." To Tigrin, he said, "And rumors of the Khanate bandits?"

"Led by the cousin, as you had heard." it replied. "The guards on that side of the camp have his head; when they post it as a warning, that part of your plans is fulfilled."

"Excellent." Malkin said. "Tell me, young Pale Worm. What do you know of acid?"