"The monastery is in lockdown. Every entrance except the main gate is barred from inside—I checked personally. The walls are clear of patrols but I detected observers—people positioned in high windows, watching approaches without being visible themselves. The courtyard is empty but I saw movement in shadows near buildings, disciplined concealment suggesting professional fighters rather than scholarly monks."
Cassius pulled out a small piece of paper with rough sketches, positioning it where they could all see.
"Here's what I observed: approximately forty to fifty fighters total, based on the movement patterns and positioning. They're not in the open—they're concealed, waiting. Some in the main building, others in outbuildings, a few in defensive positions controlling key choke points. All showing military discipline in their concealment and coordination."
"Forty to fifty professional fighters," Sylvara repeated. "Against the three of us."
