Tower of trouble

“Not that you aren’t welcome,” asked Emily uneasily. “But how do you know who Tara is or where we were?”

“Simple, I’ve heard the priests talk about a summoned hero here to release us from Intectus.” Explained Integra. “And I simply followed your tracks, spotting the faintest magic essence of the armor of Algermor.”

“You can spot the essence of passive magic?” Said an excited Talrach, clapping her hands together. “That’s difficult for even the most seasoned tracker or spellcaster. Lucile is somewhat adept at it, but I never could. And I am pretty perceptive, if I say so myself.”

“Pffft, perceptive…” scoffed Lucile under her breath.

“I’ve had a fine mentor.” Integra casually answered.

“Well, we could use all the help we can get.” Said Tara, as she shook Integra’s hand. “Welcome aboard. But you said you knew a shortcut?”

“Indeed, I do. As some of you are aware, there are magical circles that allow one to teleport to another circle.”

“Well, yeah.” Responded Helena. “But the bastard of an Intectus had outlawed and deactivated them all.”

“Not all of them. I’m aware of one circle that still works. It’s located in an old abandoned wizard tower not that far from here and it’ll take us closer to the emperor. From there it’ll only be a three day walk.”

“I’ll assume there’s a catch?” Desiderata asked.

“That you assumed correctly, elf.”

“Succubus, actually.”

“Apologies. Anyway, the problem is that the tower is currently occupied by some bandits, using it as a hideout. We have to infiltrate the building and go all the way to the top.”

“Do you have a plan?” Talrach asked.

“Unfortunately, not yet. I do know that the only entrance is guarded by a hulking half-orc, wearing the armor she once took during a raid. We have to do this quickly, or she might call in reinforcements. If we could distract her, or maybe take her further away from the entrance, we might get inside.”

Tara spoke up. “I may have an idea…”