The constant tremors had become so commonplace that Ozab hardly noticed the smaller ones at all. He had become quite active with the local beasts in establishing a network of spies since his discovery of the crack revealing the interior of the sacrificial cave. Ozab saw to it that there was always a beast stationed at the opening, listening for any hint of the Brotherhood's plans.

He had continued to search the labyrinth of caves leading from his dwelling and made several key discoveries. The most potentially important one was a narrow shaft that led to a small natural chamber. It was roughly square in shape with crumbling, flaky walls. Ozab had found the space puzzling when he first encountered it and soon found himself scraping at the far wall. In a short while he  had penetrated into the wall by nearly six inches and shortly thereafter broke through to an adjacent space.

He peered through the small hole he'd dug and espied a vast chamber on the other side. Enlarging the hole to a point where he could ease through, he thrust a torch to the other side and then his head. It was a cavernous space, devoid of life, but filled with rows upon rows of casks and bottles. Ozab had burrowed into the impressive wine cellars of the Deev Castle. Realizing the implications of this secret access to his enemy's lair, he carefully positioned several large barrels in front of the opening to conceal it from unwelcome eyes.

That evening he shared his discovery with Otto while enjoying a home-cooked meal of seafood stew prepared by Ophelia. He had become a regular guest at their cottage and found himself looking forward to the gatherings. Little Odette had become enamored of the old scarred mongoose, deciding he was now her grandfather. Ozab did not resist, treating the little otter girl with as much affection as any grandfather would treat his blood kin.

They sat around the table chatting with Odette sitting on Ozab's lap. After a time the little otter maid was snoozing peacefully. Otto queried the mongoose about his discoveries.
"So this opening leads into the cellars of the castle?"

"Indeed it does, young otter, but not just any cellars, huge deserted cellars that are not guarded. We could put a battalion in there before they realized we were there. The wall is fragile. One stout swipe from a ram will bring it down."

Otto nodded.
"Our ranks grow daily, freeing ourselves from the shackles of the Brotherhood and Deev seems possible now. I hope that Egbert and the castaways return as they promised...with help," he looked questioningly at Ozab, "do you think they will?"

Ozab grinned a crooked smile.
"There is no question. Not only is Lord Egbert an honorable beast who will keep his word, but there is no question that Orange Willum will return," he chuckled, "he does need to kill my brother after all."

"Doesn't that bother you?" Ophelia asked.

"Azmeritus ceased being my brother when he killed my father. As opposed as I am to vengeance and violence, he seeks to destroy our world...so good luck to Willum in his quest."

Otto redirected the conversation back to Ozab's discovery.
"Will the entrance you discovered be good for a large group, or only a few at a time?"

Ozab thought for a moment before answering.
"With  a little work we can expand the tunnel and chamber enough to accommodate a very large number of beasts. I think it would be a worthwhile project for us, are you up for it?"

Otto grinned from ear to ear.
"I'll be at your cave first thing tomorrow, pick in hand."

Azmeritus sat quietly re-reading the Neurean Prophecies. He couldn't help himself from chuckling. He thought about his senior acolytes and their confusion at his various decisions. They had vehemently protested when he allowed the castaways to leave Xenoth unmolested. They again voiced their displeasure when he insisted the Deev be allowed to come and go freely despite their proven treason and ambition. Only Bishop Skaar and Prester Jauba remained unquestioning during the heated protests over the High Priest's seemingly cavalier attitude toward the Brotherhood's enemies.

The mongoose caressed the worn vellum pages of the Prophecies like a lover. These lesser beasts were incapable of understanding, he thought. Had they spent their time studying the Prophecies instead of pursuing their petty intrigues, there would be no question that his actions were correct. Azmeritus considered sharing his revelations with his minions, but dismissed the idea, determining them unworthy and ill-suited for the truth.

The Prophecies were clear to him. They mentioned the castaways, calling them 'the stranded' and prophesying their escape and return prior to Xenophus' rebirth. The Deev too, were mentioned, called 'the deathless warriors' in the text, an integral part of the drama yet to play out.

It was all in the Prophecies, even the treachery of his Chief Acolyte and its resolution. Every action the text predicted was taking place, all the players were approaching their final positions and Azmeritus had used all his power to ensure they did. If it meant freeing the castaways so they might return as predicted, so be it. If it meant allowing the Deev to roam free so that they might be on Xenoth for their predicted fate, so be it. If it meant allowing a coup to fester so that he might snuff it out in the final days, then so be it yet once more. The mongoose felt no stress or pressure. He needed to make no decisions, simply follow the outline Neure had laid out. He was an actor in an ancient play and all he needed to do was follow the script.

Just over a week to go, he thought, as footsteps roused him from his contemplation. Prester Jauba entered the cave and approached.

"What news?" Azmeritus asked.

"We have no new news from Minga or the coast, your eminence."

Azmeritus stood and stretched. He spoke almost casually.
"Send word to all our ships patrolling Xenoth...how many?" he asked.

"A dozen in these waters...no, thirteen, the remainder are at Minga and World's End," Jauba answered.

"Good," Azmeritus continued, "have all thirteen return to the waters below and around the castle. Make sure they are all fully armed and alert."

Jauba became concerned.
"Are you expecting an attack, your grace?"

"They will be coming soon, Jauba.," the mongoose said cryptically.

"Who, eminence?"

Azmeritus smiled.
"Everyone, Jauba, everyone."