(Caius)
Two mornings later we left for Ashcrest.
The yard was cold when I stepped outside. Dawn had only begun to touch the eastern ridge and the ground still held the night in it. Breath rose pale from the horses. Leather creaked as straps were checked and packs secured. Men spoke little. I preferred departures that way, quiet work done by people who knew what they were doing.
Zeron was already there with the first group. Raith stood near the gate with two scouts who would ride ahead once we moved. Pryor remained behind where he belonged, buried in reports and messages and the work that kept a territory moving while others rode out.
My horse waited near the mounting block, dark and broad, trained for distance and noise and sudden change. I checked the tack myself though it didn't need
