The trio, Gord, Rothütle, and YAML, arrive at the foot of Schattenburg Castle.
The castle is visible on the hilltop, surrounded by dense forest, glowing faintly in the moonlight.
Gord opens a hidden door on the ground. There is a hole in the ground with swords and shields hanging on the walls.
She grabs a shield and a sword, handing them over to Rothütle. "We need to be ready for anything."
"What about him?" Rothütle asks, pointing to YAML.
Gord hesitates for a moment, then hands him a dagger. "You can defend yourself with this."
Closer to the castle, there is a shadow standing among the trees. It steps forward, a bearded man with a two-sided axe.
"Jack," Gord says grimly.
"I've been expecting you," Jack replies with a thick accent. "Your security measures are good, but not good enough."
"What do you want?" Gord asks calmly.
"The best man who can design your defenses is imprisoned in the castle," Jack says. "Release him to me, and I will leave you in peace."
"He's not your decision to make," Gord replies firmly. "Now leave, before I show you the last bit of my security."
"You understand, don't you?" Jack says facing Rothütle.
"The Architect is helping Carl with his innovations. She's holding back knowledge that belongs to the world."
A shadow moves among the trees...
Tip of the day. Moving fast and breaking things is not a security strategy. Defend your critical assets.