"Cunning, clearly."

Kai turns to the Butler, "Is there a place where we might purchase healing supplies?"

Landrae finds a set of suitable studded leather after arranging for a covered cart to be waiting for them outside the city gates early the next morning. The butler then takes his leave of you and without too much trouble you return to the Bloody Thorn for a bite to eat and a brief respite from the days activities. The inn is nearly deserted at this hour, but the dwarf innkeeper has not yet retired for the night.

"We head out on our task on the morrow yes? And we will try to set a trap for this Scorpion?" Duncan will ask, further adding "What will each of our roles be again? I assume that I, at least, will be with the cart, perhaps even in the role of a paid guard. It would perhaps seem to good to be true if a merchant cart were to be traveling with no protection."

"Twas my thought to leave at first light with Jack.  By using the animals as guides, we should be able to reach their ambush site inwards.  And cause confusion among them before they are able to attack themselves"

“I think that is a good plan Kai. Duncan as driver/guard. Elber and Landrae in the wagon. You and I in the woods. I think we should try and give you a sign that we are set up, Kai can you send an animal to them as a sign? Or maybe I shoot an arrow into the road...something so you know it’s about to happen. If for some reason we are discovered we need to have a prepared story as to why we are there. Hunters or criminals looking for work is what I was thinking. We can figure that out during our long walk tomorrow as our friends here are enjoying their wagon ride.” Jack laughs as he points his thumb at Landrae, Duncan and Elber.

((When we get to the inn)) “No drink for me tonight, friends. I never drink the night before a job. One time I was working with a fellow named Dolan, an acquaintance who was to be our lookout. He had too much wine the night before and was so hungover he didn’t see the changing of the guards an hour early. We barely escaped by the skin of our teeth, and with empty pockets. Dolan, was not so lucky. Jack reflects on the memory for a moment, and abruptly changes the subject. “I will take a full belly of stew though, nothing like stew for a good nights rest before a hard day of work.” 

For the first time you have seen, a smile touches Kai's lips.  "I was thinking about turning nature against them.  I believe, they will provide all the signal we need."

At the Inn, Kai will take a cup of tea before retiring to meditate.

"Then let us get some rest. It has been a long day. And tomorrow looks to be one as well. We leave at dawn." Duncan will say to the group, adding to the innkeeper "sir, please have us woken and breakfast ready just before first light."

Elber pulls on his moustache while the plans are being discussed, clearly troubled. "I hesitate to split up when we have only information given by those who did not see the bandits until the ambush. Why not stay hidden in the wagon until they attack thinking we be a valuable target?"

Kai:

"When the wolf pack attacks, they split and come at the Elk from different sides, allowing one to be seen and hold attention.  It is the unseen wolf from behind who strikes first to cripple before the strongest move in for the throat kill.  I would prefer to be the wolves, than the Elk"

Kai shrugs, "But as we decide.  Even the cornered Elk may win thru the day with good use of his defenses."

"Kai has the right of it. Coming at them from two flanks could be a large advantage. Though Elber is also correct. We should not split our group by far. Perhaps simply having our wolves walk at the same speed as the cart, though off the road, and a bit ahead. Yet not far enough where we could not get to them if needed." Duncan will add

"Then play to our strengths. I be a hunter and like you I know the forest. If we were seen, the two of us would not look out of place. Jack is most skilled at not being seen where he should not be, like hidden inside the wagon."

“Both are solid plans, and I will let another decide since this is not my area of expertise. I can hide in the woods just as well as the wagon, so just tell me where you want me. I think that for the purpose of this, we need a leader. I believe that Elber or Duncan may have better instincts on tactical plans involving the killing of men. Whoever we decide the leader is, I will follow.” Jack feels anxious. He would rather be on the road than sitting around talking about it.

Elber looks to Duncan, defering to the trained soldier's knowledge of tactics over his own instincts.

Kai smiles.

"Mayhap we should truly call ourselves 'Wolves'.  We have the alpha male to lead us in the hunt, and the alpha female to lead us otherwise."

"I am of the opinion to have our scouts ranging just ahead, and off to the side, of us. We do not know exactly where they will attack, so setting up an ambush could be difficult. And having them out flanked will certainly give us an advantage. Remember also that they do not generally attack outright. We were told they make demands and then normally let the victims go after taking their goods. So our attack should start from our hunters, which will set the rest of us to pounce from inside their trap. Let us get some sleep. Tomorrow should be interesting." Duncan finishes with a smile

"That all sounds like a perfectly serviceable plan. Either way, I shall be happy sat on the wagon, playing a few songs on the pipes as we go. Kai, should you be ranging wide and planning to come at any attackers from the flanks, it might be good should you have some such spells that could bind them in place, thus allowing our arrows to rain down without their getting too close."

Kai, "I have prepared for long strikes and holding... and the mending of comrades"

The following morning Elber will load most of his gear and rations on the wagon, prefering to travel light in his guise as a hunter. He hesitates at his greatsword, but decides to carry it along. There was word of orcs in the forest, so even hunters should be equipped to defend themselves.

Kai aids in loading, eager to be away from the city, with its people, its confusions and it stinks.  With a last cup of tea he takes up position beside the cart.