Sergeant,

Spoke some with operative Delgado. Says those orbs won't be doing much of anything. Held a training session with several of your constables. Went over basic defensive positions and roles. If any blunted weapons could be provided in a short amount of time, it'd likely help. About mantlets - If they can't be made fast enough, fill barrels with sand and rocks and cover them with wet leather. Should serve for something of a wall. There's a danger we didn't consider in our talk - The whoresons might use spiders to climb up along the cavern walls and drop down on us from the ceiling, into the middle of the yard. Those down there should be ready for that. Ordinant Lemli believes the Tornbeard dwarves can destroy some of the inclines down the ridges. Can't say much more on that. If you've further need of me, I'm ready to offer my aid.

Marten Briars, Sworn blade to house Levine