Piero stared up at the ridge, listening to everyone's suggestions and to Lydalia's concerns.  As commander, hers was the most important advice.  But the duty of a Calculator Magus - even one who had not completed his training - was to advise the commander.  "Though the enemy be stronger in numbers," he mused aloud, reciting one of his lessons, "we may prevent him from fighting.  Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of their success.  Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity.  Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots."<br/><br/>Inspiration struck.<br/><br/>"Commander," he said, addressing Lydalia.  "You and Damen are correct. Gathering intelligence would be the primary mission of any group that may already occupy the ridge - that's why I suggested it myself.  We must know for certain if anyone is there, before we advance.  To do that, we must bait them out.  And to do that, we must give them a reason to come forth."<br/><br/>He looked over the burning camp, considering what they had to work with.  Then, he smiled.  "Sera, Imos, I'm going to sketch out a circle on the ground.  Once I do, I need the two of you to drag a dozen corpses onto the circle.  Align them to the compass directions - I'll mark where they are - with their heads pointing towards the center.  Alex, gather arrows and bring them to me."  he looked at Ruby.  "Once the corpses are in place, make a show of carving runes into the earth around them - just a few will do."<br/><br/>He looked back at Imos.  "Once you are done with the corpses, make a show of arguing with our commander.  Declare loudly that you won't be a party to this abomination, then mount up and gallop away.  Once you're out of sight of the ridge, double back and keep it under observation from concealment.  If you see anyone depart, sneak up to the top and see what you can find."<br/><br/>Folding his arms, he grinned.  "We won't actually be doing anything, of course.  But Ruby and Alex and I can fake a fairly convincing necromantic ritual.  Any observers, gathering intelligence on the actions of the armies of Ivalice, will be bound to investigate.  When they do, we attack if possible and withdraw if necessary, giving Imos the opportunity to explore their camp.  And if nobody comes down, because nobody is there?"  He shrugged.  "Then we occupy the ridge, and wait to see who responds."