@DragonSong - Cont. from "Back to Dangerous Land"
The troop of riders had made good time through the Highlands, easily reaching the great forest in a few weeks. Still, given their Connlaothian heritages, it was no surprise as many of the number grew tense; a forest that seemed to grow in the shadow of the surrounding mountains was truly unnatural - magic made manifest...or so they had been told. After a few days, the novelty wore off and the soldiers' tention quickly melted away. After all, what point was there in ogling the exotic when it all just seemed so...pedestrian. One man even took up a flute and began blowing a marching hymn, his comrades becoming a bit of a chorus.
For much of their journey, Michael had remained at the formation's head, easily navigating the underbrush from atop his warhorse. Between hunters and slavers, few settlements were designed to last, able to pack up and relocate at a moment's notice. Still, the soldier seemed to be following a blazed trail toward...somewhere.
The pace could not keep up forever, though and eventually, Wolfram called his men to a halt, setting up a camp for the night. He knew Tara would likely be impatient for them to reach their prey, her own vandetta far outweighing his interest in their hunt. But, there was nothing more they could do for the day, so it would simply have to wait for morning.
The men took the horses and set them in picket line between two trees, tieing them up so they could not bolt, but also stripping them of their saddles to give the beasts a rest. Then they set to work clearing ruffage with swords and axes.
Joshua was far less accustomed to riding a horse than his companions and he was visibly bowlegged when he slid from the back of the borrowed horse. Those who noticed could not help but to chuckle at the smith's misfortune. He ignored them, easing himself down as gently as he might to avoid further abusing his pelvis.
"We'll be eating cold tonight," Wolfram informed the troop. "Don't want a fire to warn anyone we're coming. That means two man watches tonight; starting with Koch and Lauer." The two men easily acknowledged the order as they all found a place for their bedding. "And if anything happens, wake Fisher first. He's rather handy..." The men chuckled a little at that, though few could reasonably argue with the officer's assessment.