Bucren handed the silver branded sword to Ismark hilt first. “Try not to forget it next time.” He muttered to the man, hoping not to see any traces of intoxication in the man’s first. They were going to need him and every sword they could get, even as hard blows began to rain against the doorway. Well so much for that way. Once more he brought his bow to the forefront, an arrow nocked but held casually at the ready. Something ugly, and with a horrid stench, was beyond that front door now. But Ismark’s more serious and less pessimistic demeanor loaned some steely resolve to their case.<br/><br/>He considered Xavier’s first query about the soaked rag and shooting off a decoy. He honestly never tried it before but the theory seemed sound. They did leave sacrificial offerings like full-on animals and beasts, either as a lure or some sort of tribute to avoid scrutiny on their own homes. Would they be fooled by the draw of any amount of blood? “No harm in trying. Lace one up, we’ll see how it goes out there.” Bucren assented, handing over one feathered shaft for it. He didn’t know how it was going to turn out so he couldn’t make any further planning beyond a promise to try.<br/><br/>The others settled up their own decision making. There was no hope in staying. And numbers provided greater security. They were used to picking off ones and twos here. A strong party like theirs would be harder to overcome but the vampire sounded like she had a grudge against them. He didn’t give an answer to Xavier’s query but his response was written well enough in the determination of Bucren’s expression. “I know the way too, in case anyone should get lost. But Ismark, you with your fancy blade should be at the front, while I’ll pick up the rear. I’m sure no one will get lost between us.” He threw out there, if anyone should care for it, ready whenever the rest were. There would be a quick, ugly fight at this doorway but once they punched their way through, it would be a mad dash to the love shack, as Ismark so eloquently put it.<br/><br/><i>Not that he would recommend it.</i>That place had an ill-repute and Bucren had gleamed that during his own brief stay there, many years ago. But it was the better choice, especially if this secret tunnel in the cellar that Ismark mentioned proved to be true. When all seemed ready, he stood several paces back in a direct line from the doorway, bringing his bow up and stringing his arrow, drawing back alongside his lower jaw.