The brigands are surprisingly resilient; we have made good time on the march. Sil remains at home, with the older ones; they will guard the nest. I anticipate a rebellion; I will use her daughter to seize control of the tribe. I will enslave Sil's supporters, and breed a new generation. It will be the mage I've decided; his daughters will possess stronger magic, but it is my four whom I shall save. I need them to maintain their grip over the tribe.

The forest is dense; it is not as slow going as I believed. The thief-taker can see paths through the brush; the sirines' know their coast. We are few, but enough. My four and two others; eight brigands, and the cove slaves, minus the dwarf. Food will be a problem if we fail the decisive blow; we bring the last of the lighthouse reserves, and the cove's store. Sirines do not stockpile much in this, or any season; the sea is always bountiful. This must change if I am to push further inland.

It will be dusk soon; we are closing in on the outskirts. Tonight, we strike.