With Svetlana happy for the help, Rowena took the bowls and utensils out and set them on the table.
Watching Sheoll work the magical course set by Alexander, Rowena smiled, impressed by his immediate aptitude. I hope I can manage it just as smoothly after Geal's new shoes are put on. The young priestess was glad that the warrior liked one of the names she had put forward for his mount and inclined her head at the compliment.
Rowena spooned some of the breakfast mash into her mouth when she heard Tassira's cry and watched as the noblewoman fell to the ground.
Jumping up from the table, Rowena made it to Tassira's side and swiftly yet thoroughly examined her for signs of serious injury.
Hoping to relieve some of the sorceress' pain and discomfort, Rowena gently laid her hand on Tassira,
Compassionately and quietly, Rowena asked the noblewoman, "How do you feel now, Tassira? Still in discomfort?"
Alexander having set up the coarse for the group to train their riding skills after getting them use to the saddle tried to grab a quick bite to eat himself when he heard the cry of his cousin and responds by running to her arriving just behind Rowena. Knowing her healing skills where far and away better then his own Alexander allowed the priestess to work in piece only offering encouragement to his stricken cousin. Just lay still and allow Rowena to look you over Tassira.
Cadell sitting off to one side watching the others practice has to struggle to keep from laughing at Percival's antics and Tassira's struggle to control him. All trace of humor vanishes when she is thrown by the horse.
Is she alright? he calls rising.
Seeing that Alex and Rowena have care of Tassira, Cadell goes to help Hans catch the horse.
Cadell intercepts Percival at the stable and gets a hold on the horse's bridle. He leads the horse back to Tassira.
If you aren't badly hurt you should get back on. You can't let these idiots think they can do what ever they want.You got to make sure they know your in charge.
Tassira just lies there as Rowena lays a calming hand on her, her eyes squeezed shut in embarrassment. Her cheeks are burning red. In response to Rowena's question, she meekly shakes her head.
Stupid horse. Stupid horse. I think Father was right...
When Cadell brings Percival back, she sits up and looks up at the horse with a mixture of fear and anger in her eyes. She swallows and wordlessly gets back onto the horse.
She glares at the back of Percival's head as she maneuvers him onto the course. "Yah!"
This time, she's focused entirely on getting Percival around the course. The horse complies.
By the time she finishes the course, she's not looking any happier. She gets off Percival and walks off, hugging herself.
As her horse, Gael, was still in the process of getting his new shoes fitted, Rowena watched on as a determined Tassira stood and completed the course with her horse.
When Tassira walked off, Rowena did not know whether she should follow or just give the sorceress some time to herself.
The young priestess grabbed two mugs of the still warm cider and moved a little closer and quietly asked, "Would you rather be alone or would you like some company, Tassira?"
Tassira looks up at Rowena as she approaches, her blush having faded somewhat. She doesn't say a word, instead beckoning the priestess to have a seat next to her at her new table.
She takes a mug of cider and starts drinking from it. "Thanks for earlier... if I'd known how much of a stubborn one Percival would be, I wonder if I'd have asked for a different one."
She looks down at the table, her blush beginning to get worse. "I... I didn't look too foolish, did I?"
Rowena noted the lady's consenting motion and moved to sit by her at the other table. The young priestess sipped her cider as Tassira spoke.
"I am glad that my touch was able to ease your physical discomfort. You are welcome." At mention of the naughty horse, Rowena simply nodded in understanding, her look gentle when she spoke the next words in a quieter manner.
"Mayhap it is not too late to pick another horse if Percival is not to your liking? Talk to Alexander...I'm certain he can do something. And no, you most certainly did not look foolish. We were most concerned when you fell and anyone with a fair mind could see that it was not your fault."
Sheoll watched the minor commotion from his seat at the table as he ate the mornings meal. He began to get up when Tassira was thrown from her newly named horse, but as several other folk rushed to her aid, and she stirred, he sat back down. The young woman would have to toughen up. He smiled remembering the first time he was asked to pick up a blade. He remembered feeling so small next to the others, and feeling as if he were under water as he tried to swing it.
Perhaps a few words of encouragement?
"That's right, Tassira Vantyev. Keep at it, persistence and work can make you strong." He nodded to emphasize the last bit, looking around at the others and finding himself looking at Rowena again. He gave her a smile.
"I think you're next, Rowena Hunter. Once your steed has been shod of course." he winked and took a swig of the warm cider.
Tassira looks into her cider mug as Rowena brings up the possibility of taking another horse. "...no, I don't think so. I've made my decision--I'm not going to give up just because of one fall." She takes another drink.
"And no, you most certainly did not look foolish. We were most concerned when you fell and anyone with a fair mind could see that it was not your fault."
The sorceress looks up into Rowena's eyes, a shy smile on her face. "Then all of you are already more well-mannered than many other nobles I've met. I was honestly afraid Cadell would make another inappropriate joke..."
"That's right, Tassira Vantyev. Keep at it, persistence and work can make you strong."
She gives Sheoll a nod of acknowledgement. "I don't plan on giving up that easily, rest assured."
Although every part of me would prefer otherwise...
"I think you're next, Rowena Hunter. Once your steed has been shod of course." he winked and took a swig of the warm cider.
She heard Sheoll's voice telling her it was close to her turn to undertake the course with Gael. Having watched Tassira with Percival, Rowena felt a little daunted by the task, but heeding Sheoll's advice of persistence to Tassira, the young priestess bucked up and waited to be called once Gael was shod.
"I do hope Gael behaves as we walk the course" she called over to Sheoll, with an uncertain smile.
Hearing the renewed confidence in Tassira's voice, Rowena smiled and nodded. "That's the spirit. Once you and your horse are better acquainted, I am certain you will fare well together."
At the mention of Cadell Garess, Rowena bowed her head and silently contemplated the youngest of the nobles among them. Lifting her light green eyes to Tassira, she discreetly replied, "I believe Cadell would not dare take such liberty with you, especially in the presence of your cousin, Alexander. Me on the otherhand..." Rowena left the sentence unfinished. She shrugged rather gracefully before taking another small sip of her warm cider.
"I believe Cadell would not dare take such liberty with you, especially in the presence of your cousin, Alexander. Me on the otherhand..."
Tassira shakes her head. "I honestly wonder why that is. Would you like me to have a talk with him?" She looks Rowena in the eyes again.
I mean, it's the least I can do for you... you've done a lot for me already.
Smiling warmly up at Tassira, Rowena quietly replied, "There seems to be a general accord at present. I would not see it gone, if he feels as though I have made complaint against him. I simply do not understand what I have done to warrant his tone and disapproval. Leave it for now, my lady. But thank you for the offer -- your support is heartwarming."
Rowena's reply gives Tassira a very warm feeling inside. "O-oh... y-you're welcome. I-I-I mean, it's--well, it's the least I can do, since you keep supporting me." She stutters, somewhat lost for words.
"I consider you my friend. My support is the least I can offer, Tassira." Rowena sipped the last of her warm cider and stood.
"Now, let us return to the main table with the others and finish our breakfast. It'll soon be my turn to traverse the course. I must check if Gael has his new shoes on." With ready smile upon her face, Rowena moved toward the others.
Glancing over her shoulder, a twinkle in her eye, she remarked in jest, "And do not laugh at me if I fall down."
Tassira finishes off her cider and stands as well.
"Oh... I-I don't intend to." She smiles bashfully and scratches the back of her head as she follows Rowena.
...by the Green you're an amazing woman...
After sitting beside Tassira at the main table and swiftly finishing her bowl of mash, Rowena once again stood, excused herself and made her way over to Oleg, Hans and her horse. Seeing that Gael was shod and ready, she gently brushed the horse's face with her small hands and whispered quietly, "Help me around the course, Gael. We can do this, together."
She carefully lifted herself up onto the horse and positioned herself on the saddle as previously instructed by Alexander; holding the reins in the correct manner. Gael shifted a little beneath her and she felt strange (and somewhat anxious) at being off the ground in such a manner.
Rowena gently pressed her heel against the horse's flank and made a soft clicking sound to entice Gael forward. They steadily began to move around the illusory obstacle field -- The young priestess managed to stay upright and wove the horse in and out, but not very swiftly nor elegantly. All in all, she was grateful that Gael did not attempt to buck her off. It was her first time and Rowena was content in what she had managed at this point. Practice makes perfect, she motivated herself silently.
"Good boy", she gently commended her mount.
When she finished the course, she halted the horse and dismounted, holding onto Gael's reins and smiled back at the group.
"I will get better at it", she resolutely promised the group.
Seeing that Tassira is all right and determined Alexander allows her time to calm before talking to her. Turning to reset the coarse fresh to include fixing the posts that had disappeared in the excitement. Alexander joins the others and finishes his now cold meal. I am glad you remounted and finished the coarse Tassira. The first time you went through you pushed Percival too hard or at least harder then you where ready to handle.
Smiling in a attempt to defuse what may sound like a disparaging remark Alexander continues Understand though I have found myself in similar circumstances when I was learning to ride so you are in good company at least. If you learned something from the experience then the cost in bruises are worth it.
Tassira watches Rowena complete the course, rather awestruck by how easily she keeps Gael calm and directed.
She's snapped out of her reverie by Alex's approach. "Oh? I... huh. I didn't think I was pushing him that hard--I mean, he wandered off the track to go get breakfast. I thought I wasn't pushing him hard enough."
Sheoll watched as Rowena maneuvered her horse with very little trouble a fair pace through the course created by Alex. She was doing well,they all were, save for one slight incident. That was something he knew they'd face more of in the future. Obstacles. They were in a tight, mostly safe place now. The wilds of the outside would be a challenge, and Sheoll was becoming more and more confident that this group that had come together mostly by chance was up to the task.
"Well, looks like the most unskilled has at least got our feet wet with these steeds. I think the best practice is most likely in the field, would you agree Alexander Medvyed? Perhaps we should move on, and see if we can get an eye on this other camp."
As comfortable as the outpost was, and grateful as he was to be eating the food, he knew the voice would creep up again in the back of his head, and being out under the stars gave him more a sense of control. Sheoll was eager to get about the business at hand RIP THE BANDITS TO SHREDS, FEAST ON THEIR BONES!!! and get on the road to the next objective. A bit of unease showed on his visage, but otherwise he kept a plain face, concentrating on the others.
Alexander listens to Tassira nodding his understanding. His answer ends being more long winded and winding as he seems to have a hard time properly expressing his feelings on the subject. There is a lot of give and take between horse and rider. It is more art then alchemy such as being able to direct your mount subtly without even using reins a feat I have yet to master. Of coarse that is nether here nor there my point is that it is more a partnership where you lead and they follow. They can pickup on mood and attitude and like any partnership there can be misunderstandings as well as personal traits that you might need to take into account. Such as knowing your horse likes to lunge when urged to move forward.
Alexanders eyebrows turn down and his face takes on a frown of frustration. Do you understand what I mean.
Hearing his name Alexander turns to Sheoll to respond momentarily distracted. Huh oh yes I was trying to leave by tomorrow if we can gather all the rest of the supplies we need and perform all the necessary care of the horses.
Rowena gently led Gael by the reins around the courtyard. She did not know much about horseshoes but she hoped his new pair were not causing him any pain. The horse did not put up a fuss and Rowena stroked its forehead and murmured gentle, reassuring words and praise. Hans had certainly chosen a good horse for her.
Coming to the tying post, she wrapped Gael's reins around it and then walked back to the table where the others sat and conversed. After the meeting she would find an apple and feed it to Gael.
The young priestess sat down and listened without interruption.
Oleg, after rounding up enough shoes and the three now ex-bandits to assist him get the horses prepped with only one or two minor difficulties. By now, it is mid afternoon but the weather is at least pleasant some.
Stepping over to the group, Oleg finishes wiping his hands on an old piece of cloth before speaking. "Horses have new shoes, and I have some saddle bags on them too. Percival and Gael also have some feed bags on them, but those will last only a day or two at most. Anything else you lot need just ask, I'll try to set something up."
Rowena inclined her head at Master Oleg's words and care of Gaelan.
She collected the cups, bowls and spoons from the table and took them inside for washing. Rolling up her sleeves, the young priestess got down to it and made quick work of the cleaning up.
Turning her gaze to Svetlana, Rowena happily thanked the woman again for the food. "The meal was good and filling, Mistress Svetlana. Thank you for the generosity you continue to show us, your guests. By chance, do you have an apple I could have to give to my horse? I will pay for it, of course."
Returning to the table and the others, Rowena respectfully inquired, "So, what should we tend to this afternoon? More horse riding lessons or have you agreed upon something else?" She did not like to be idle and they would be riding out to meet the remaining bandits in the morning. So, they would have to organise and plan for the rest of the day.
Sheoll scratched his head, pondering the options.
"No, Rowena Hunter, I don't believe we've come to a decision yet. I suppose we could wait till tomorrow to set off, but I'd just as well get on the road. I can see how the darkness could be a deterrent to the progress of the group as a whole, though. I guess I'll just have to find something to do in the meantime."
Turning to Oleg, he remarked,
"I suppose I could help out with some work around here, if you need it. I seem to remember you working on the walk when we arrived. Did that work get finished already? If not, I suppose I could ride around a bit more on Kalak."
Sheoll had to remind himself that his companions didn't have the advantage he had of being able to see in the dark. When everyone needed to use a torch it was surely less advisable to try to take an opponent by surprize, as they would likely see the lights from some distance off. He knew this, but all the same, he had the itch to leave. Perhaps you're too used to the life of a nomad, he thought. That would defeat the whole point if he went off on his own. He had sought out others to find balance and temper himself, and he would stick with that thought, and stay.
Thank you Oleg I would like to see about purchasing a water barrel and some items for our newest team members. Alexander adds the extra items to the previous list of needs. let me know how you wish to work out payment and I will take care of it.
Hearing the everyone's concerns of moving out Alexander speaks up. If everyone wishes to leave today I have no issue with it. I am happily surprised how quickly we where able to get everything done and assumed it would take longer. We can get the last items for the new guys and head out.
Alexander's tone changes as he thinks through things out load. Assuming everyone feels comfortable enough in the saddle. I see no reason not to start out. If we leave within the next hour or so we could make it several miles with easy riding in the light we have left before setting camp and arrive at the bandit doorstep near early evening if no issues crop up. Hans can drive the supply wagon and Gernon can use my bow or sling to act as its guard while we move.
Since it is already mid afternoon I think it is too late to head out today. I am as anxious as any of you to get started but if we start now we won't get far and I would rather enjoy a solid roof over my head while I can. If we start early we can get a full days travel in and I think the ladies could use some more practice time. Cadell says in response to the question of when they should leave. While the ladies practice their horsemanship the rest of us can get properly packed and ready to go before first light tomorrow.
Rowena respectfully voiced her thoughts. "My magic is diminished because of the truthtelling spells I performed this morning. Cadell also mentioned that mayhap more riding lessons would be beneficial. So, I would like to stay here overnight and leave after my morning prayers."
Tassira's been quietly listening to all the goings-on, part of her still stewing over having been thrown off a horse.
"I'm hoping the bandits don't get any ideas and decide to check to see what's wrong. Honestly, I'm torn--on one hand, I'm clearly inexperienced at riding a horse. On the other hand, there's the threat of the bandits to contend with..."
Sheoll nodded.
"Well, the majority seems to think it better to wait. So I suppose I'll get some more practice with my riding."
With that, Sheoll carefully mounted Kalak and practiced leading him about, careful not to wander too close to objects he may disturb. After a short while, it occurred to him.
"Perhaps we should practice more outside. It is a bit...cramped in here, and I think it might be better to learn in the open. What say you?"
If most everyone wishes to stay to become more familiar with their mounts and set off fresh in the morning. I see no reason not to. I was budgeting for more time then this previously. So we should still be on track to arrive before the bandits become worried. I should see to my own mount as well. If anyone has questions I will be happy to answer what I can. Alexander goes to the stables to find his own horse. Who appears to be a strong willed creature prone to fighting his reins.
Alexander takes a bit of hay and places it in his pouch after flavoring it to taste sweet like sugar as he puts the horse through his paces Alexander offers the sweet tasting morsels to the horse when he follow his lead along with some form of verbal or physical encouragement. Hmm I think I may call you Brutus. Do you like that name boy. The horse seems to give a nod of its head as Alexander pets his neck. well I guess that settles it Brutus it is then.
Oleg shrugs. "Well, Alex, you can buy one. I do have one. But for you all, a discount."
As the night goes on, Svetlana prepares a small travel meal for the party for their travels for the next day. "Please, be careful. They're ruthless folks..." Looking over to Oleg, who is trying to show Kir how to handle some tool, she frowns. She steps over to lot of you and makes sure none but you can hear. "You'll... You'll protect us if they decide to turn won't you?"
Alexander steps close to Svetlana and inclines his head while holding his closed fist over his heart and in a voice filled with quiet conviction. I offer my promise as a Medvyed to protect you and your husband from the remaining bandits. The men now with us took an oath observed by Erastil through his priestess to renounce there old ways. He searched their hearts and found no false hood in that oath. As difficult as it may be considering what happened before I believe these men can be redeemed and brought to a better path through hard work, encouragement and good role models. People like yourself and Oleg. It is a test of faith and fortitude one I am sure you are up to.
Cadell spends the rest of the day preparing to leave. When Gernon and Hans are finished working with the horses he puts them to work packing the cart and making other preparations for their departure.
Svetlana smiles and nods. "Then you put me to ease, Sir Medvyed. Alexander. I thank you."
The night passes quietly, and in the morning the sun rises crisp, dew and fog heavy on the ground.
For the remainder of the afternoon until dusk, Rowena had practised riding Gael just outside the gates of the trading post, under the supervision and guidance of Alexander and by the side of Tassira and Sheoll.
By dusk, she brought Gael back inside the trading post, brushed him down and gave him some feed and water.
When Alexander spoke earnestly to reassure the lady of the post, Rowena had smiled and gently took hold of Svetlana's hands. "We are grateful for all you have done for us. We will do all we can to protect you and Master Oleg. May Old Deadeye watch over you." And us, she silently thought.
During the night she partook of her watch duty.
**********************************************************************
Just before dawn of the next day, Rowena rose and undertook her ablutions, dressed, donned her leather armour and packed her bag, gear and weapons. She took out her holy text and walked into the foggy courtyard and sat down on the bench (as the ground was covered in dew) to read the parables, pray and prepare her spells for the day just as the sun began to rise. She spent an hour out there with her god, in the fog, and after completing her prayers, Rowena moved into the scullery and ate a light meal to break her fast. She then stowed the holy book inside her pack, her crossbow and quiver on her back, her daggers sheathed at her hip, and met the others out in the courtyard.
Tassira spends the rest of her spare time getting used to riding around on Percival. She's taken Alex's pointers to heart, and doesn't spur the horse onward as hard as she originally did.
Watching Rowena ride around on her horse (and how easy she makes it look) pushes the sorceress to really focus on improving. Aside from a brief episode of Percival continuing to trot laps around the trading post (mostly because Tassira couldn't get him to stop), she appears to have gotten the hang of things.
------------
In the morning, Tassira rolls out of bed, and with a few prestidigitation spells, readies herself for the day. She takes a seat at the breakfast table, at once eager to get going and explore and reluctant to ride on Percival's back again.
Cadell takes the last watch of the night. Halfway through his watch he wakes Gernon and Hans and sets them too readying the horses and hitching Block to the cart. Once the Animals were ready he had them clean the stable rather than leave it for Oleg to do. When everything is ready he rides out on his gelding to scout ahead. He takes Gernon with him mounted on Alex's horse. He tells Hans to let the others know that he and Gernon are riding ahead and that they will meet up with them about mid morning.
Upon Hans' news that Cadell and Gernon had left earlier to scout ahead and that the group were instructed to wait for their return, Rowena set down her pack and removed her larger weapons from her back and placed them down next to the pack.
Her eyes found Alexander's and she asked politely, "What would you have us do as we wait, Alexander?" Anything of import we should be preparing or finalising until the hour we set off?"
Tassira pats Percival's side as she approaches the two conversing people. "Now, Percival, I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I think we can put our differences aside and work together to go find us some bandits, okay?"
"To be honest, I can't really think of anything--I'm certain we're as prepared as we can reasonably be." She replies to Rowena, holding Percival's reins in one hand.
Rowena inclined her head in agreement. "Good morn, Tassira." The young priestess smiled at the sorceress' words to her horse. Her own horse, Gael, was secured to the tying post, watching quietly with his dark eyes.
"I was not aware that Cadell was planning on riding ahead, with Gernon, this morning. Did he say anything to any of you on the matter?"
Hans looks at the group a little worried. "Sorry. If I had known that you all hadn't agreed, I would have tried to stop them from leaving, or at least woke someone up." Slowly, his hand goes to his neck, almost as if he can feel the rope about it.
Oleg, meanwhile looks over the supplies readied on the cart attached to Block and scratches his head. "Well, everything is here, so it ain't like he went bandit. I suggest you all set out and catch up soon. Last thing you need is a bandit ambush..."
"We are not upset with you, Hans. You did what Cadell asked of you." She tried to give the man a reassuring smile.
Rowena picked up her crossbow and placed it upon her back again, and lifted her pack and secured it on her horse.
She undid Gael's reins from the tying post, gave him a pat, and carefully lifted herself up onto the saddle.
"Are we to ride in any particular order?", she asked her companions.
Like Rowena, Sheoll spent the rest of the day practicing riding his new steed. Kalak was a strong horse, and the warrior found that the less he struggled with the beast, and the more he listened to it''s cues, the better the result.He was pleased with the creature, and had brought a bit of feed with him when they went out into the fields outside the outpost. He spoke encouragement to Kalak, speaking to it much like one would a favored dog. Although he still preferred feeling the ground beneath his feet, he was quickly coming to appreciate this mode of travel, and beyond its more practical uses, how the see could be a travelling companion as well.
He watched the other practice and listened carefully to Alexander's instructions, doing his best to pay attention, and pushing aside all distractions as best he could.
The voice was creeping up on hims, and he could feel it's dull hum in the back of his head steadily rising. He knew it must be dealt with soon.
The night ended, and he thanked Alexander for his assistance, giving a smile and not of encouragement to Rowena and Tassira.
******************************************************
The following morning, Sheoll woke early, and hour or so before dawn. His sleep ha again been fitful, all red and teeth and unblinking eyes, urging him across a vast scorched plain, feeling the bones and sinew of a thousand slain beneath his feet. He climbed to the top of a great pile of heads, and looking out over the visceral plain the seemed t stretch forever, he felt only rage. Looking up, inches from his head, was a winged creature of light, flying in place, upside-down and faceless. It was beautiful, bright, and to look at it caused him pain.
Moving quickly to get some drink, he gain doused his face.
He paused for a moment, looking down at the sleeping places of the groups new charges.
It would be so easy to tear their faces from their heads, to rend their limbs and spill their entrails...DO IT!!!
He could feel the blood rush along his body and the white burn at his fingertips, and behind his eyes. Making for the gate, he moved quickly, and on the other ide, it was all he could do to concentrate as he close it behind him, careful not to leave till he heard the sound of the bar drop into place.
Seconds later he was running, low and with his arms out, the blood in his eye nearly overwhelming.
Thankfully, He came upon a deer...
Returning, just as the sun rose, he was covered in dirt (which he had used to clean the blood off of himself) as Cadell left with his assistant. He nodded at the rogue as he rode out, but avoided eye contact, lest he have to explain himself. Inwardly, he felt a bit of guilt about not bringing back the carcass, as it was quite a waste, but again, he was not quite ready to explain why the creature had been torn into unrecognizable pieces. He took time to bury what he could, and the rest he was sure scavengers would make short work of.
Finding a rag, he did his best to clean himself. He smiled a half smile at the others rose as he sat on the bench, sharpening his blade.
"I expect Cadell Garess and Gernon shouldn't be much longer. Are we all set to venture out?"
Alexander helps the others with the horse riding lessons directing them as they need while becoming acquainted with his own horse during the rest of the evening finding enough time to complete the purchases for the two newest members of the group.
--------------------------------------------------------
Alexander rises with the sun the next day and performs his morning rituals doing them quietly as is his wont to do. With the end of his spell memorization Alexander goes to look for breakfast and after to feed his new horse when he finds Brutus gone.
Alexander soon find out from Han what happened. I honestly think we should try to move out and catch up with Cadell as soon as possible. I can't say that he thought this through. Scouting ahead for the party is fine but he never told any one of his plans. This is a big and dangerous country and we don't know where we are to link up with him. Well at least we know the general direction of where he is going so that helps. Alexander rubs his temples as if trying to work away a headache forming behind his eyes.
When Rowena mentions an order of march Alexander stops his temple rubbing to chime in. I believe Sheoll is the best woodsmen of all of us. He should probably be in the lead especially if we wish to follow Cadell's tracks. I will ride with Hans in the cart and act as rear guard no sense in messing with any rapport you have built up with your animals so far. I believe you should be second Rowena and Tassira third in march order.
Tassira nods. "I'm fine with that marching order, Alex." She says, glancing between him, Percival and Rowena.
Stupid Cadell--running off without coming back to get us...
"I am ready to move out. I think it was unwise of Cadell to have left, even with Gernon in tow. Aye, we should attempt to catch up with them. I do not like the sound of a bandit ambush with the two of them out there, separated from the group."
Rowena quietly answered Sheoll and Alexander both.
With Tassira's response to Alexander's riding order, she hazarded a glance at the sorceress and then at Alexander. "I will be second, after Sheoll" and she nudged Gael's flank to move herself forward, just behind the warrior.
"Well then, let's not waste the morning cool, then, yes?"
Sheoll gathered his things, binding them tightly and securing them to the back of his horse in an imitation of the way Alexander had done it. Then, slowly mounting, he drew the reins and urged the beast forward.
Exiting the gates of Oleg's trading post he turned back to the place, wondering how long it might be till they saw it again. Reflecting further, he wondered if it really mattered. There were some comforts here, but there was so much more to see.
Moving slowly, he looked closely at the ground for signs that Cadell and Gernon had gone ahead and carefully followed them.