"Calarapan preyed upon the Asagi people because of
their propensity to teamwork." Joseph said.
"Easy prey." Ernie added.
They stood at the edge of the spot where the beast had fallen. Henry walked in the midst of the cavity, kicking the bits of debris about.
"Still," he said, "they fought their binding. Which is surprising, given what they are." The pieces of bark on the ground were from nearby trees that had been damaged by the beast's collapse. He looked up to face the two men, "I see no corrupt pieces."
"Then I feel sorry for this Calarapan guy." Ernie snickered.
"And you're counting on it." Henry said to Joseph.
"I bet you weren't even planning on recruiting those people." Ernie said.
"Actually, no." Joseph answered.
"So," Henry responded with a wry grin, "what is it you want us to do?"
"The timing is great." Joseph chuckled. "Since you two happen to be unbinding things today, how about another target? A bigger one."
"What is it?" Henry asked.
"A stronghold." Joseph answered.
Henry and Ernie exchanged a glance.
"Couldn't just punch it, huh?" Ernie snorted.
"There's no opening." Joseph responded.
Again, the two men exchanged a glance. Henry's smile was growing.
"But," he continued, "you're the experts in this. If there are any spoils inside, they're yours, save for one thing. Someone might be trapped in there. I need her out."
"No one's gonna be mad if we snoop through your land, huh?" Henry asked.
"They already know I'm asking for your help." Joseph answered.
"Aha." Ernie said, matching Henry's smile.
"My people and I will be in a meeting while you two will hopefully already be inside the stronghold." Joseph explained.
"Want us to stick around for when this Calarapan guy is supposed to show up again?"
Joseph smirked, "Out of sight, of course."
With both hands, Henry pumped his assault riffle high above his head, "I like it!"
"I'm definitely curious as to what this so-called stronghold is made of." Ernie said.
"As am I." Joseph said. "The wall is solid. I saw no seams."
"How deep?" Henry asked.
"Can't be that deep at all." Joseph said. "The name of the land hasn't been declared, but there is new passage to it. Not like that matters to you two."
Both men grinned.
"But Calarapan could only drop the stronghold from above." Joseph continued. "Then he left to try and weaken my lineage."
"Probably established above then." Ernie said.
"We go now?" Henry asked.
"The sooner, the better." Joseph said.
"Sweeeeet." Ernie cheered.