The captured elf's body lay nearby, his blood still drying on the cave floor.
"Huangyan, you're our key to getting inside," Grim said, pointing to the dead patrol leader. "Strip his armor and equipment. Your half-elven heritage should be enough to pass inspection."
Huangyan examined the corpse with professional interest. "It could work. The armor's a bit large, but elven equipment is designed to be adjustable."
"What about magical identification?" Captain Wei asked. "Don't elves have ways of recognizing their own people?"
"They do, but it's not foolproof," Huangyan replied as she began removing the dead elf's gear. "Especially when activity is high. Guards are more focused on external threats than verifying every face they see."
"Your mission is reconnaissance and prisoner location," Grim continued. "Find Lianna and the other high-value prisoners. Map the interior of the central complex. Identify guard positions and any weaknesses we can exploit."
"And if I'm discovered?"
