We report to Lord Douglas what we found and tell him the tunnels need to be explored further. I tell him our plan and ask him for the people to make it happen. I assure him once they are finished they can come directly back to the stronghold and stay out of harm's way.
"The trees are down in the pit mostly correct? So if I send a team down there to raise those trees and set them up in a ramp to the bottom of the pit is the pit stable enough to accept people" What of the water that is diverted will that cause the tunnels to be effected? How far above the bottom are the tunnels themselves?"
"Not all the trees are in the pit. We need just one to shimmy down. This will allow us to have Ghost accompany us and he is an integral part of the team. I did something similar in Afghanistan. Then I look at him. The US is at war in Afghanistan because the country feel to pieces after the Mujeheddin, who the US supported, chased the Soviets out. [By The Way], the Soviet Union has disintegrated but that happened a decade later. Anyway, a terrorist organization planned an attack on the US and using airliners brought down the Twin Towers in New York and hit the Pentagon too. So, we went in and some of the fighting was in caves. To get to a cave we did something similar and used trees. Trees also give us the ability to go in close to the same time, whereas if we use a pulley system, our other option, we go in one at a time with a long wait between team members."
I look at him and begin to laugh at myself, "Yes, either of those options would work quite well." I continue to chuckle. "I forget where I am and still think in terms of Earth. I beg the Lord's pardon for being rather small minded considering where we are." I look over at Rachel with embarrassment.
The Lord calls for his commander and soon Lwethiala comes in the dining hall. She pauses in front of the Lord and gives a salute of closed fist over her heart with her right hand. "Yes, My lord how can I be of service?" He replies. "Take a squad and Lwenta and check out this newly formed hole. I want to know how stable it is and how soon it will fill with water. Take a look at the tunnels these scouts of mine have referred to down there. Make sure to place a few guards to watch for any activity after this initial check. I do not want anything sneaking up on us." She nods and says "It will be done my lord." She salutes him again turns and leaves. As she gets to the door she starts barking out orders. You can hear guards moving quickly. He looks over to you as you see the older elf children coming in to grab some food. "I take it you and your full crew will be ready to check these tunnels out in the morning? It looks like you will have company again on your explorations>" He nods towards the elf kids.
I see the Elf children and roll my eyes, "Lord Douglas, they make our missions harder not easier. Although they're old in years they still act like adolescents. Most don't listen. We have to protect them and fight what we find. I'm afraid one of them will die on one of these expeditions and I don't want to have the death of a child on my conscience. Do you have any suggestions? Maybe a mass sleep spell when we leave… oh wait, that won't work on Elves."
"I will have Lywenta talk to them. Maybe she can get them to understand that they may not survive. Bt you have to understand. You all saved them from death. They knew they were going to die slowly and painfully. They have a new lease on life so to say. They may want to try to repay you for saving them and if they die doing that then they would be happy perhaps?"