An hour later, several of the villagers united at the tavern, as quietly as possible. (Patreon)

“Alright,” Helena said, standing on the bar, “We outnumber them, and we have the element of surprise. Amandine and Yvette have supplied you with what you need. Those pies will temporarily blind and distract the soldiers. Disarm and strip them. When the coast is clear, tie them up. You three—don’t let them out of the gate. We can’t have them brining reinforcements. Private Broussard, you’ll lead the gate team. Yvette, you are with me. We’re going after the commander. I’ve heard some scary stories, and I’ll need your help to take her down. The rest of you, divide up into five groups. There are four places we know guards are stationed. The fifth will comb the streets looking for stray guards, and help the other groups when necessary. Everyone understand their assignment?” There was a quiet grunt of consent from the group. “Alright, let’s move!”