"So, if a siege doesn't work, what do you propose we do?" Rain asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
Golly stroked his beard thoughtfully. "We need to think outside the box. Clockwork City's defenses are built on predictability and routine. We must disrupt that routine, create chaos where order reigns."
Helliana stepped forward. "Perhaps a two-pronged approach — while the Orcs and Goliaths engage the city's defenses, a smaller, stealthier group could infiltrate from within."
Rain nodded. "We could use our skills and abilities to navigate through the city's underground systems or hidden passages. There must be ways into the city that aren't guarded as heavily."
Golly affirmed. "There are. The reason why Santi insisted on seeking your help is because of the Ebizos," he began, his gruff voice echoing in the hall.
Rain was taken aback. "The seadwellers?" he asked, eyebrows raised in surprise.
Santi nodded solemnly. "When we received the Orc's letter, we couldn't respond immediately because we had our own pressing issues. However, after several days without success in penetrating Clockwork City, we decided to reach out to the Orcs for assistance."
"That day, I gathered soldiers and rushed south to aid you. But then I saw you battling King Kraggul with your lives on the line. And I saw nearly a thousand Ebizo soldiers at your beck and call," Santi recounted.
"So, you need the seadwellers to do what exactly?" Rain inquired, trying to grasp the plan.
Golly unfurled a large map across the table, displaying a complex network of pipelines that crisscrossed the city. "There's a way for us to penetrate the city by using these pipelines," he explained, tracing a path with his finger.
"Clockwork City might appear invincible from the outside, but inside, it's controlled by a vast mechanism. Gorm's minions are likely manning the control room while Gorm himself performs his dark rituals underground. Naturally, they've sealed off the water pipes, vents, and every conceivable access point to prevent any infiltration."
"But," Golly continued, his eyes narrowing as he pointed to a particular line on the map, "there's one line they couldn't shut off, no matter what."
"Do you know where the Ebizos are right now?" Helliana asked Rain.
Rain nodded and brought up the map on his screen. Since General Varlox and ten other Ebizos had become his troops, their location could now be displayed on his map. Read new adventures at M V L
"They're moving fast in the ocean, but they're slower on land," Rain explained. "I instructed them to wait here, intending to fetch them with carriages. But I suppose that won't be necessary now."
"Time is of the essence," Santi urged. "We must meet them immediately and relay our plan. It's crucial they get it right. Golly, do you have a gadget that would allow the Ebizo to locate these pipes underwater, as well as the control room?"
"I already have." Golly produced bracelets out of his large tool box and demonstrated their use to Rain and the others. "I've created this after thinking about this plan. Just finish it yesterday. All you have to do is wear these, and pressed this button. A screen will appear, displaying your location, the pipes, the city, and the control room."
Helliana moved from her spot and commanded, "Well then, let's go. We can't waste time here anymore."
"I will go with you!" Golly declared, his voice broke no argument.
"Are you sure?" Helliana asked, glancing at Santi. "We're heading into a warzone."
"I don't want to wait here for news. I might not be of help on the battlefield, but I know the city more than anyone else," Golly insisted.
"It's better we take him," Rain added, shrinking slightly under the weight of everyone's gaze. "Well, you know . . . communication would be easier if he's there with us."
Santi took a deep breath, weighing her options. "The truth is, there's a possibility that Golly might be the last master artificer left in here, and we don't want to risk losing him. But like you said, he's the only one who knows the city now, and his insight is vital to our success."
The group exchanged resolute nods before setting off to rendezvous with General Varlox and his forces. Everyone steeled themselves, preparing for the challenges that awaited them ahead.