A Choice of Tactical Options

"But though the lake is not that big, swimming across could take longer than we can afford," Thomas objected. "It would be too dangerous to cross the lake until the catapults have ceased firing, and unless the dragon is badly hurt or stunned he may have enough time to take off before we can get to him."

Astra shrugged. "It's a risk - a big risk. But whatever plan we adopt our chances of success will not be very high. They are rather better with this plan than with our original idea, in my opinion."

"If the dragon is dazed and confused by the attack, then even if he does see us he may not react quickly enough," Anselm said. "Luckily we are all wearing dark clothes, and if we use mud to darken our faces we shouldn't be that easy to see. So simply sprinting across the clear ground to the edge of the lake could be good enough."

"Maybe we could provide some distraction to get the dragon looking in the wrong direction at the crucial moment?" Fred suggested. "Light a fire at the other end of the lake, maybe?"

"Supposing I was the distraction?" Astra suggested. "He doesn't yet know that I've escaped, so if I appeared at the side of the lake, shouting and waving my arms, that should get his attention. I could strip off so that I would be easier for him to see."

1. They decide to adopt Astra's original idea.
2. They decide to use Fred's distraction tactic.
3. They decide to use Anselm's suggestion without any added distraction.
4. They decide to split their forces. Two people will be harder to spot than four, and even if they are they may at least serve as a distraction for the others. Astra and Fred are the best swimmers, so Thomas and Anselm will be the sprinters.
5. They decide to use Astra's suggested variation of the distraction tactic.

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree