The sword buries deep into the guard's neck, once twisted free blood bursts forth, spraying across the cold stone.
Stanislav nods his cold approval. We need no prisoners. He would have slowed us. He provided us the password and thus earned a quick death. If we have all the food and supplies we need let us be gone from this accursed place.
"We need to fetch Irena. She should be done preparing that delicious pie."
"Prisoners, slaves, whatever you prefer to call them. His death is of no consequence, but converting his weak mind to the Dark Lord's service would have proved...interesting."
Robert shrugs.
"Okay, lets grab those victuals and get out of here."
Moving towards the dead man. "And if you left anything you want to go get it, meet back at the gates in 5 minutes." He carves his fist symbol into the man's chest with his dagger. Then goes down to the guard they killed at the enterence to the gatehouse and cuts off his arms to feed to the dogs before checking the gate is open or how to open it before waiting for his companions to collect their equipment and return."
Stanislav will offer to to with Nadine to retrieve Irena. Shall we? He offers her his arm.
The dogs eagerly wolf down the meat thrown to them.
Robert grabs a belt pouch off a guard to go along with his armor, shield, dagger, and club. The sword and swordbelt he leaves on top of the tower. Pulling the stylish green cloak over the whole ensemble, he begins to feel better about himself.
"Food, water, and survival needs before loot, please. Let's try to remember that, eh."
Robert heads to the kitchen with the others, grabbing a waterskin, rations, and a sack to carry them in.
"Oh, of course, Commander!" Nadine take his arm and the two walk to the kitchens. Nadine strolls along like she's at some garden party rather than escaping a prison. As they near the kitchen area, she calls out. "Irena, dear. Have you finished? We're ready to leave, darling. Oh, do you have any bags for us to carry items?"
Stanislav gets an idea and looks around for any kennel equipment. Can he find a whip, whistle, muzzle, leash, or anything that might have been used to train or otherwise control the dogs? He is looking for something that, along with feeding the dogs further, might give him an edge (bonus) in handling the beasts.
After feeding the animals more he tries to "handle" them with whatever modifiers he has from food and items of authority. He will use rope or make us strips of cloak to make leads and try to get the dogs under control enough to take with them. He will genuinely try to befriend the animals.
Vank learns that the heavy double doors are locked with a large beam of wood, that though heavy can be easily removed with the combined might of the group.
Stanislav, Robert and Nadine heads for the kitchens. Opening the door the delicious smell of freshly cooked food greats them. Irena looks up from her work once again panicked. "Ye..yes mistress I am just finishing." At the second part of your question she looks around searching for some way to accommodate your request. "We have a few sacks," she offers.
While the dogs are busy eating Stanislav walks to the door of the kennel. Muzzles and leashes hang on nails hammered into the wall besides the door. Grappling two pairs and opening the door carefully he looks inside seeing two dogs. They soon stop eating and look at the unknown man. They begin growling edging towards him. With clear commands and a bit of force he manages to muzzle and leash both.
Without a hint of cruelty Stanislav begins to establish dominance over the small pack. He uses food and praise and true affection, but he also uses sharp words and gentle cuffing rebukes as needed.
Stanislav will notice Vank seems to be arguing with himself in goblin while waiting for the rest to return but when every gets to the gate he recovers and says "A few of us, those that can wear the guard's uniform should go first. Think up some excuse for heading out at this time of night. Then ambush the two on the other side of the bridge. My tribe can provide those that go with a blessing that should make it easier."
Turning on Irena "Human! What is the password and why might a group of guards be heading out at this thime?"
The rogue stood silently by the gate while the others gathered various supplies. At the Hobgoblin's suggestion, Thomas replied, "That is a great idea."
"Come, Irena. At the very least, you must see us depart the prison. Then you are free to go if you wish. What if I have need of you before we leave the gates?"
Stanislav in full guard uniform, dogs leading the way, leashes in one hand and lantern in the other, heads for the gates.
"Yes mistress, but you will let me go once you escape" Irena asks in a small voice with a hint of hope in the end.
Following your small group to the gate, she is scared by Vank's question. "Hesterfield, sir. As far as I know he guards never leave at this time, a few might relive the guards at guard house," she replies shaken.
"A pursuit? We have the dogs and a full hunting party. That seems like a suitable ruse. Or just 'relieve' them with blade and spell?"
"Seeing is how no one has ever escaped here, they are not likely to believe we are in pursuit of convicts." Thomas grimly pointed out.
One of the prisoners is missing from the cells Stanislav says quietly. We plan to see if we can pick up his scent outside the gate. he explains to the group.
"I still do not believe they will fall for that ruse." The Rogue shrugged, "But suit yourself."
Then propose a better ruze. I admit that lying is not my strong suit.
Thomas thought for a moment then answered, "We are there to relieve them. The reason we have the hounds, is because the Warden received a tip that someone may try to infiltrate the prison to breakout the prisoners. And having an extra set of senses would help prevent anyone from sneaking by."
"Deception is my strong suit, however. Simple is best, here. Some of us move to relieve the gatehouse guards, then we eliminate them."
Stanislav nods. You two do the talking. I'll play the strong silent type.
Nadine simply nods at the men. Her talents were best used after the trap was sprung. She turns back to Irena. "Of course, my dear. I gave you my word as a woman, did I not? Once we leave the prison grounds, you are free to follow us or depart as you wish. If you come with me however, I will continue to guarantee your safety. You will be a member if my household. If you wish to leave, then I will release you. You have served me well so far."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Irena has somehow come to believe that you hold your words and she relaxes at your promise. After Vank with the aid from at couple of the others manages to open the heavy doors, she stands in the portal watching you making your way.
The road is carved in the rocky island and winds down to the bridge. It is a rather dark journey as the only lights are from the night sky and what you carry. As you stand at one end of the bridge you see the guard house at the other end. No one seems to be watching.
The group splits in two and Thomas, Robert and Stanislav head off. The walk across the bridge last a few minutes in real life, but feels like an eternity. Finally you reach the portcullis. It is down preventing your further journey.
"Oy! You lot wanna get relieved or not?"
Wearing his guard uniform and carrying the lantern, Robert knocks on the gatehouse door.
"Hesterfield, ya jack holes!"
bluff
The yelling and the knocking on the stonewall provokes a response. A dog begins barking. It is a little later followed by the door on the other side of the portcullis opening. An older guard walks out. "What is all this noise at this ungodly hour?" he asks as he sees your uniforms.
Damn, they already have hounds. Thomas thought as he stepped forward. "We're here to relieve you. The Warden want's fresh eyes for the night. He received a tip that someone may attempt to infiltrate the prison."
Vank leads the remainders through the dark down to the last cover before the bridge. He tries to make out what is happening on the far side but it is outside his dark vision range making it hard.
His face shifts to an expression of disbelieve. "in the middle of a shift, never happend before and isn't he sleeping now. What does the sergeant say to this?"
"How do you think the Warden got the tip? He had some sort of vision in his sleep. As for the Sergeant, the Warden didn't fully trust him with this. Something about 'cowardly, corrupt rat' if I remember correctly." Thomas said trying to be a little more convincing.
"Pulling my finger are you?" the guard asks aand continues: "The warden doesn't care, Blackerly runs this place. You know it and I know it." looking more closely at you he demands: "Step closer I don't recognices you this far away." he reaches inside the house and graps a latern.
From further away the rest of the group can see a light appearing at the end of the bridge.
Vank whispers to the others with him "Looks good, they lit a lantern."
"Window on the bars time?"
Robert stage whispers to his fellows.
Hold a sec. Let me tie off these muts. Stanislas says as he ties the leads of the dogs to the bars and sets his lantern on the cobbles and shoulders his shield. Retrieving his pole arm he says. There we go. Now then that is better. Proceed.