The soldier waited until everyone had returned to their seats before speaking further. Those in front of him pushed their chairs to the side giving him a clear view of Drostfur, Ipitch and Braddle. Drostfur then nodded for him to continue.
“For those who do not know me I am Telter, Sergeant Telter. Some of you may know my father, Glat.”
“A fine man” said Belay. “We served together in the Spronger Division. He was…”
“Silence” said Ipitch. “You can reminisce when this is over.”
“Unfortunately” continued Telter, “my father could not come today. After speaking to Tableface he was ready to play his part but his health is not good. He urged me to come in his place.”
“I am glad that you have come” said Drostfur. “I knew your father well. You say that there is a possibility of defeating Stoo. How so?”
“Well, tomorrow night General Stoo is holding a ball in the council building. I’ve heard that quite a few people have been invited including his family and other high ranking supporters. We could slip into the nest and surprise the Gruts as they are hatching. With minimal effort we could take the whole lot prisoner.”
“Now that’s a plan I like” said Belay.
“But when we have them prisoner what do we do then?” asked Ipitch. “We can’t stay locked in the council building forever.”
“No” said Telter “but it gives us a chance to convince the people of Carporoo that General Stoo and his supporters are the real traitors, that they are responsible for the disappearances. Most people, including most soldiers, don’t know what to believe. All they’ve been told is that Leading Councillor Drostfur was plotting their destruction and that General Stoo has put a stop to it. Once they know the truth General Stoo’s plan crumbles.”
“So Drostfur could make a speech from the council steps and victory would follow?” asked Ipitch.
“Not exactly but if the disappeared suddenly turn up at the council building in the morning then everyone would see for themselves that Drostfur was right and that General Stoo was the real villain.”
Telter fell silent and let everyone contemplate the brilliance of his plan. Ipitch struggled to find a flaw in it but he could not. Belay slapped Uncle Malik on the shoulder and Uncle Malik gave Braddle the thumbs up. Braddle smiled.
“I think I speak for all of us” said Drostfur. “We accept your plan. I have one question, though. The area surrounding the council building will be well guarded. How can we gain entrance without arousing suspicion?”
“That’s easy” said Telter. “My company will be on duty inside the building. There are about ten of my comrades that I can rely on and trust. I will ensure that we are stationed at the rear of the council building. At an agreed time we will unlock the door and let you in. All you have to do is make sure you are there to be let in.”
Drostfur stood up and looked at the assembled group.
“Well, there we have it. There is still much to discuss but refreshments at this point would be welcome, I think.”
The meeting ended three hours later. After much chin-stroking discussion and, at times, finger-pointing argument the details of the plan were finally settled with everybody’s roles agreed. The assault force amounted, in total, to approximately one hundred and twenty men and women, including Sergeant Telter and his ten comrades inside the Council Building. The rest of the fighters were to be recruited from the network of ex-soldiers to which most of the attendees belonged. Twenty of the company were to secure the place on the outskirts of Carporoo where the giant collected his captives. They were to gather the returning prisoners and safely lead them to the Council Building. Another ten were to station themselves at the front of the building and create a diversion thereby allowing the bulk of the force to slip through the back door and in to the chamber. There was a lot of debate about what kind of diversion it should be. Some favoured a more forthright scene involving a sharp shower of rocks and a vigorous swiping with sticks. Others favoured something more raucous and good natured involving too much beer, chanting and an attempt at gate crashing. Due to the advanced years of the participants and the need not to arouse suspicion amongst General Stoo and the other guests the latter option was, eventually, chosen to the disappointment, mainly, of Belay.
Braddle, Uncle Malik and Belay left Ipitch’s house quickly and headed for the nearest side street. Braddle felt as if he had just sat a six hour maths exam in which, he was certain, he would get top marks. Within the fatigue there was elation. The plan was a good one and it would succeed, he had no doubt.
“Well Belay” said Uncle Malik “make sure you get a good night’s sleep tonight. I don’t want to have to carry you in to the Council Building snoring like a fat-neck.”
“Don’t worry about me” replied Belay. “I’ll be through the door before you. I always could and I always will run faster than you.”
“Yes, but there won’t be a young woman on the other side of it this time” laughed Uncle Malik.
“How do you like the plan Braddle?” asked Belay.
“It sounds good” he replied.
“It’s the best we can do under the circumstances” his Uncle said. “If it’s successful then come to the Council Building early on Friday morning. If it’s not then stay with the Morrie's.”
“I’m coming with you” said Braddle, calmly.
“I don’t think so” his Uncle said. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Uncle, I have to come with you. If it fails then I would rather be with you. Without you I would have nobody left. Besides, there wouldn’t be a plan if it wasn’t for me.”
His Uncle looked at Belay for an indication of what he should do. Belay remained silent but raised an eyebrow as if to say ‘where’s the harm.’ Uncle Malik sighed.
“Alright Braddle you can come but stay close to me, you hear?”
Braddle smiled and threw his arms around his Uncle.
“That’s settled then” said Belay. “Against us three General Stoo hasn’t a chance.”
They stopped at a crossroads.
“I go this way” said Belay. “I’ve got one question though and I haven’t had a chance to ask it yet.”
Both Braddle and his Uncle turned to face him. Belay frowned and looked at the floor. He then looked at the sky and then at his companions.”
“Have I been asleep for the last sixty-three years?” he asked.
“No. I don’t think so” Uncle Malik replied, puzzled. “Why?”
“Where have these giants come from, all of a sudden?”