The rest of the afternoon was spent perusing market stalls and collecting odds and ends. Rezkin ordered a supply of oats to be delivered to the inn for the horses. Since they were not taking any pack animals, a good amount of grazing would have to suffice. The land between Lorelis and Kaibain was much the same as that which they crossed on their trek from the river, so there would be plenty of grasses to be had. The group returned to the inn that evening so they would not have to spend additional money on a meal. After dinner, the travelers bathed and packed anything they would not need before their departure.

Lieutenant Jimson arrived with the horses just as the sun was beginning to lighten the sky. The beasts were large and sturdy, as would be expected of army horses. The smallest was a pretty palomino mare that was still a bit too large for Reaylin, but it would have to suffice. Reaylin did not seem to mind as she went about securing her pack behind the saddle.

Tam and Frisha stood cautiously at a distance not really knowing what to do with the beasts. Both were chestnuts, one gelding and one mare. Tam’s mare had a white star on its head and white fetlocks. Frisha’s mount was a hand or so shorter and had darker fetlocks and a nearly black mane and tail. Jimson rode a dappled grey gelding. At first, the other horses nickered and shied away from Rezkin’s massive black charger, but they eventually settled to follow his lead.

Their first day on the trade route, the travelers did not get as far as Rezkin had hoped due to Tam and Frisha’s inexperience and complaints of saddle sores. Reaylin had not ridden often and was also quite sore, but true to her word, she was a competent rider. Since they did not reach the village where they intended to stay, the travelers were forced to camp off the road. Many nights of camping were to be enjoyed on this journey.

Jimson went about setting up camp while Frisha and Tam gathered firewood. Reaylin and Rezkin both had bows, so they set out to hunt for fresh meat. Rezkin took the opportunity to scout the area and found that, as expected on the route, people had passed through recently. Luckily, none were in the vicinity at that time.

When everything was situated and a brace of rabbits was roasting over the fire, Reaylin sidled up to Rezkin. She stood much closer than was comfortable for him, but he made no overt moves to stop her.

Reaylin tilted her head far back and said, “Wow, you really are a big guy, huh?” She shifted her weight placing one hand on a cocked hip and grinned with a twinkle in her eye. “Are you so big everywhere?” she asked demurely through thick lashes.