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"I have an idea," Barlemus says. "That clan I just wiped out, the Red Talon Clan, had this big fancy stone altar at their village. It was on a small hill, and there were no trees around."

"That may have well been the place where the White Terror was summoned the first time around," Arvin speculates.

"How far away is it?" Tavi asks. "If we get there before the shaman, we might be able to determine a plan of attack."

"Just a couple of hours or so away," Barlemus says. "Southwest of here."

Arvin nods. "Yes, I think I know where it is. This actually improves our chances. We won't need to navigate their lair then."

"Ut, yeah, but they'll still bring plenty of protection," Barlemus points out.

"Couldn't we set up some sort of ambush?" Tavi suggests.

"That's our best bet," Arvin says. "There's no way we can take them in a straight fight. We need to catch them by surprise, but they will be expecting an attack. That makes it more difficult. We need as many advantages as we can get."

"That would require looking over the terrain nearby," Tavi says. "You have those flasks that I gave you Arvin, so those will probably help quite a bit. Barlemus knows how to set traps and things, but I'm hesitant to bring you along considering the condition that you are in."

"I'll be fine," Barlemus says. "I can walk, and I can shoot. Dunno how long I'd last on the frontline, though," he admits.

"All right then," Arvin says. "Now all we need is a good plan."

"Use me as bait," Tavi says.

"Ut, I think he meant a good plan," Barlemus says.

Ignoring him, Arvin looks to her. "Explain what you mean."

"They are going to expect some sort of ambush, but they probably aren't going to expect me standing on the altar waiting for them as if I was going to offer myself off as the sacrifice," Tavi explains. "If all their attention is on me, that gives you two a chance to attack them. Plus, this gets me close enough to the shaman to at least try to take him out."

"That's really risky," Barlemus points out. "What if they just decide to rush you and chop you to bits?"

"He's not wrong," Arvin agrees. "Neither of us would be able to protect you once things got hot."

"It is a risk I'm willing to take," Tavi admits. "But I'm going to need some kind of weapon. I can't conceal my sword."

"Better that you don't conceal it," Arvin says. "Going in alone is risky, but going in without your weapon is just suicide. However, Petal and I may be able to concoct a poison to apply to your blade. It won't last long, but it might give you an edge when the worst comes."

Hearing no argument, Arvin and Petal begin working on the poison.

Barlemus gets to his feet and groans. "Ut, I feel like I was stepped on by an ogre. Wait, that actually happened once. I feel kind of worse, now that I think about it." He flashes her a grin. "Don't worry, we'll save your sisters. It'll all work out, you'll see."

"I want you to stay out of harms way as much as possible, Barlemus. You aren't really any in condition to be doing this," she admits to him.