NB: I am going on holidays next week for three weeks.  Though I will be in transit by the time the next instalment of this story is due, and unlikely to get it up on time, I will try my darnedest to get it out shortly after.  This is the only live blogging I will do in the three weeks I am away, but it might be a bit out of the regular schedule.  Thanks for understanding.

a) No.  Getting us in is all we need.  Any more and she might find herself in serious trouble.
b) She is 'friendly' with the Steward.  Perhaps she could... distract him while Martel holds a secret court?
c) It's time for the Black Blades to come out of the shadows. Let them stand guard over the proceedings. They are, after all, the Empress' personal guard.

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a) Nope.  Nope.  Nope.  The sceptre is in your care, it stays in your care.  You've acquiesced to her demands as they were first stated.  Now you start the negotiations for getting the army into the city of Bashan.
b) You have the grass dogs to call upon, and the Seeker is extremely powerful.  If Saschana tries anything sneaky, she will soon regret it.  Not only is Saschana not stupid enough to fight, but she is also responsible for your survival.  She might be harsh and cold, but you can trust her.  You let her handle the sceptre.
c) Draw your weapons.  It's going to be a fight.

Well?  Vote!  Share!  And good luck!

a) We go, just the six of us, and we bring the sceptre.
b) We go, just the six of us, and we do not bring the sceptre.
c) We send back a rider to negotiate for a meeting without a sceptre.

What would you do?  Vote.  Share.  Good luck!