It was a particularly busy day in the city of Milborne. Crowds bustled too and fro from the marketplace. Merchants bragged about their wares to the many passer byes, all claiming to have the best produce. The hunters brought their game to the market in order to sell fresh meat. Gossip swirled about the town due to the recent fire that had swept through the Theater of Milborne. The owner of the theater, Gardevior of Montenegrey, was no where to be found and many feared the worst. Some said they saw him heading toward the Glittering Wood last night. This information was hard to verify. His right hand man had remained out of the public eye ever since the incident. At least as far as the public knew. All night there were guards on patrol attempting to find the elusive actor.

As this was going on, a troop of soldiers trotted out of the city gates on their horses clad in full uniform and weaponry. They stopped by the animal training grounds and enlisted the assistance of multiple hunters with their blood hounds. The townsfolk were perplexed by this. Could it be a training exercise? Or was there an actual problem? The soldiers made their way toward the Glittering Wood and disappeared from view behind the trees.

---

Marque stood perfectly still as he heard the sound of hooves making their way down the road. They passed by the stables and headed toward the dog kennels. He felt a sense of relief wash over him. Marque had had enough of hiding from soldiers for one night. Having them find him now would ruin everything. He was perplexed as to the turn of events. One moment he was sleeping inside his comfortable room and the next a fire burnt up significant portions of his theater. Marque was currently hiding in a stable just outside the city along with horses. He had cleverly disguised himself as a stable hand taking care of them.

Soon after the soldiers had passed a woman wearing a farm maid's outfit calmly walked over where Marque was hiding. She quietly whispered to him, "The authorities are blaming us for the fire. Rumors are swirling around that Gardevior was seen heading into Glittering Wood as well. I think that would be our best bet for finding him. There is an expert tracker who lives in a cottage nearby who is not currently employed by Lord Bryce. Perhaps you could enlist his help?" Marque realized soon after seeing her that this was none other then his longtime friend Rosanne. Her words were quick and to the point. She had a knack for finding useful information. At that moment, Marque looked through the door of the stables. There was a man walking up to a small cottage with a bag over his shoulder.

---

Though he had been forbidden from joining the men on their expedition, Col was determined to find Sir Rolfe. His biggest issue would be finding a tracker who was not working under Lord Bryce. Col had heard of a young man who had a special gift for training animals. They seemed to flock to him. He had recently been injured and was currently out of the Lord's service. It didn't sit completely well with Col to disobey a direct order from his Lord, but this order made no sense. How could Bryce expect him to sit by while Rolfe was dead or missing? He would find this young man and enlist his aid. He heard that he owned a cottage directly outside the city.

Col saddled his horse Merlin, and headed outside the city gates. Hopefully evading the eyes of men who would report to Lord Bryce. He continued down the trail seeing the tail end of the soldiers enter the Glittering Wood. A few minutes later he saw a man outside the cottage he was heading towards. Interesting..

---

Bastian had seen the recent fire at the theater and had even tried to offer his assistance. The authorities had blocked it off completely and weren't allowing anyone near. Kind of strange if he thought about it. Regardless he had a job to perform. Bastian headed toward his on-call assignment with his bag of medical supplies slung over his shoulder. He was going to see a certain man who had no control over his legs. Bastian had never used his gift on the lame before and wanted to see if he could help him. What was his name again? Lorenzo? That was it! He was known for his skill as a dog handler. An unfortunate accident prevented him from doing the thing he loved most. Perhaps Bastian could uplift him to his former position with his healing touch.

As Bastian walked down the dusty road, he heard a bunch of hooves approaching behind him. He quickly got off the road and let the soldiers pass. They were headed in relatively the same direction as himself. They stopped by the dog kennels and were on their way within a few minutes. Afterward, they headed into the Glittering Wood with some hunters and their blood hounds. Unfazed, Bastian continued on his way and headed toward the cottage that he believed was the correct one. Then he knocked on the door.

---

Lorenzo busied himself with his paints, coloring a landscape that he'd been working on for a few days. His mother was in town at the market while his father was out hunting. This left Lorenzo with plenty of time to practice his art and escape the pain of his recent tragedies. Though it had been some time since Loyal was killed, the hurt was just as real as it had been then. He didn't get much sleep last night either. After all, through his window, Lorenzo could see the Theater of Milborne ablaze with fire. He hoped his mother would have some juicy information for him when she returned.

His replacement dog Martyrdom, sat by his master, prepared to take care of any emotional or physical needs he was able to. Though new to the job, Martyrdom was trying his best. When Lorenzo felt up to it, he would train Martyrdom on the side. Though a major part of him still couldn't get over Loyal.

Suddenly he was taken out of his thoughts by a knock at the door. Who could it be? His parent's had no reason to knock. Lorenzo felt a little fear as his dog finally seemed to catch on and bark at the noise. That's when he remembered. His mom had sent for the head physician of Milborne to look at him. She had even told him to be ready to let him in around this time. That was a relief! He looked down at his position about 6 feet from the door. Now to find a way to let him in..

---

Favian longingly looked outside his window at the many colors all around him. He played a sad but hopeful song on his precious lute. It was the beginning of autumn. The leaves on the trees sported beautiful colors of red, yellow and orange. It displayed a vibrant canvas all around the lone Hermit, inspiring soft melodies of days gone by. Yet, they were hopeful of a future not yet seen.

Favian was anxious to leave his home for fear of what he had seen in the night. He had observed large creatures stalking the Glittering Wood for about a week now. They had not yet threatened him, but who knew when they would strike? It was for this reason, it seemed like an eternity since he had last played for the city. In fact, it had been some weeks since Favian had set foot in his former home of Milborne. Maybe it was time to bring his delightful sounds to light up the townsfolk once more. That's when his stomach rumbled. Come to think of it, that was the last time he had purchased food either. His supplies were dwindling.

As these facts crossed the thoughtful musician's mind, a large troop of men clad with weapons and armor rode along the path in the Wood. Favian's cottage overlooked the path making them and him clearly visible. They halted along it. Favian stopped playing his instrument. He was very wary of their presence. For some time it looked like they were conversing to one another. They would point towards his cottage now and again. Favian anxiously waited for them to do something, anything really. After a few agonizing minutes they finally resumed their journey further down the path. Out of sight, but not out of the Hermit`s mind.

---

---

There was a problem presented to Lorenzo. How was he going to get to the door? He was in this situation a few times before, and this was certainly not the last time. Thankfully, this time around, he had been prepared. Lorenzo looked over at the good three feet of cord attached to the bottom of his chair legs, tied securely. A decently-loud whistle was enough to get Martyrdom's attention as the hound grabbed onto the rope with his teeth and pulled the man's chair to the door. It was a bit tough, but less tough than it should have been considering Lorenzo's... condition. He'd lost a bit of weight recently, not from his leg loss, but from the depression that followed preventing him from feeling like he needed to eat. He always did at the end of the day to keep his mother from worrying, but he hardly ate much else. Regardless, his diet was steadily returning to normal.

Lorenzo opened the door to his cottage and was greeted by the face of a new man. One he'd never met before. "... hello, sir." Funnily enough, this was the first person Lorenzo had met since the accident. Others came by, but his mother always pushed them away as to not disturb his healing. A bit of a shame, but she was doing what was best for him and his art, he supposed. Not that the multiple paintings in the room meant much to him, they were all hideous.

Bastian knocked on the door of the cottage and waited. Nothing. Was this not the right cottage? He knocked again a bit louder this time. A dog began barking in response. That was reassuring. The man was a dog trainer after all. Perhaps if this turned out well he could ask him to train Rufus.

As he continued to wait dutifully at the door a thought occurred to him. He was here to see a man that couldn't walk. Would he even be able to answer the door? Bastion got his answer in the form of the door opening. He was greeted by a man in a chair who he assumed must be Lorenzo.

"Hello. I am the physician that was sent for. I am here to see Lorenzo."

Bastian was already pretty certain that the man in front of him was Lorenzo, but you could never be too sure. He knows what happens when you assume.

Col was patient as he made sure that there was no risk of him being stopped before continuing towards his destination. Upon arrival, he waited for a moment at seeing another man at the cottage, unsure of what to do. After a moment he shrugged to himself and decided he would simply ride up, but at the same moment that decision was made the door was opened and answered by, a man in a chair? Only a look at the man's leg made the scene make sense. It also confirmed Col's thoughts that this was the right person. The animal handler had been recently injured: so the picture before him matched up. Except for the unknown other man, but that could be righted quickly enough. Col moved his legs slightly and Merlin continued trotting up to the cabin. Col swiftly dismounted a few steps from the entrance, holding Merlin's reins in hand, "Excuse me, but I came seeking someone skilled with animals, have I come to the right place?" His voice was polite and measured, which might be a stark contrast to the scars on his face that would have marked another man as a crude thug. He stood casually and Merlin waited at his side calmly.

He had taken refuge below the window, only slowing peering at the edge to watch the soldiers. Taking a deep breath in, then exhaling slowly as his heart raced slightly, it’s okay Favian think clearly. Why were they here? Did they see him? He thinks they saw him. No. No. Focus. He had to get out of here, clearly that was the rational solution.

It wasn’t. What if they saw him? Had they seen him? He stared at his lute which he had placed on the chair after sneaking on his hands and knees down here. No, they clearly couldn’t see him below the window. Ah, yes they did see him.

He should stare here. Then again his dwindling supplies and his stomach said otherwise. Couldn’t they understand though, out there were all manners of beast and those soldiers. They had seen him. They had been talking about the cottage, hadn’t they? Just a little longer. He could stay here a little longer. Yet, his body was moving against his rational calculations of the benefits of staying here.

Neatly putting his papers in a traveling bag, and grabbing his lute strapping it around his neck. He looked back out the front window. Coast was clear. He moved to the back of the cottage and went out the back window.Better safe than sorry, throwing his travel bag out the window first and carefully stepping out of the window himself. He securely closed up the back window with a piece of wood. That should keep rift raft out he supposed.

Scrambling from behind his house, he hugged his back close the wall and scooted along the perimeter. When he got to the edge, he peaked over to see if the soldiers had come back. When he could not see anyone, or didn’t hear any horses. He quickly ran to the road and would make his way to Milborne. Easy enough. That was easy. No worry.

The last several hours had become incredibly trying. It was one matter to lose the theater, his home for all intents and purposes, to an accidental blaze. It was another entirely for the theater's master to vanish and to be blamed for both. Luckily Marque could take on a new face, a new role, as easily as one could put on a new set of garments. And so here he was, near the entrance to the Glittering Wood where rumor said Gardevior had been seen. Rosanne certainly had been a reliving sight. Disguised as she was, he still had no trouble identifying her, which said more as to their relationship than it said of her skills as an actress.

"Capital ideas, as always my angelwing." Marque moved in closer, took her hand, and lightly kissed it. "Out intentions were cut from the same cloth it would appear, for I also made journey to this cottage for the same reason. Hark, another approaches the tracker's home. Let us watch from a distance."

The actor stood aside to observe the goings on from behind a nearby tree. After several moments of nothing after the man had knocked upon the cottage door, it had finally been answered and the reason for such delay was immediately clear. The resident's legs had certainly proven to be in sorry condition. Was this really the tracker they needed? Perhaps if he were to be carried by donkey-cart, but otherwise such a man would likely be more burden than boon. Then a second man approached, this one riding atop a steed. From his attire and equipment he appeared to be a knight, or squire in training. This bode ill if such a man served the Lord Bryce and his guardsmen. Marque's status as being wanted for arson did not agree with such individuals. Luckily, the clever actor hatched a scheme in his dynamic and adaptable mind.

"I believe I have a plan to recruit our tracker, as well as gaining favor with that chivalrous sort there," he began to quietly explain, applying just the right amount of make-up to his face. A change of clothing would have been preferable considering the circumstances, but what he wore now would do in a pinch. "The Lord Bryce's son is known to walk among the people as a drifting sort, and so his face is not well known, yet he still commands authority and respect. Tis a risky gamble, and I may be beheaded for treason, but all the same wish me luck, my angelwing."

Marque quickly kissed Rosanne again, this time on the cheek, before approaching the cottage and the three men positioned in its doorway. Instantly his stride adopted an entirely new gait, his posture improved with but a thought, and his body language shifted entirely to a more regal, commanding one. He had to instill his authority with these men, but without overdoing it. The Lord Bryce's son was a drifter, after all, so some informalities should be expected. Thankfully it was the very circumstance that would explain his lack of personal guard.

"Hail, good citizens! I am Favian, son of Lord Bryce, heir to this land. My travels have brought me back home and in dire need of a tracker. Speak now, if you would, is this the home of one Lorenzo of Windor?"

---

Lorenzo calmly addressed all of the men at his doorstep. "I am Lorenzo, dog trainer for Lord Bryce, yes. Come in, mister doctor, and help yourself to a seat whilst I converse with these gentlemen," Lorenzo's voice was surprisingly cheery as he scooted his chair over to allow for the doctor to come in. Martyrdom waltzed over to the two men and began sniffing at their boots with reckless curiosity before returning to Lorenzo's side at the sound of a snap, followed by a specific whistle.

"Now then, what is it that I can do for you two?" Lorenzo asked with his cheery facade, patting Martyrdom on the head as he calmly waited for an answer out of the men at his doorstep. Hopefully his mom and pop would return soon in order to properly handle these men, as Lorenzo was cutting into the good doctor's time with this meeting. How rude of him, and how rude of these men! Especially the man claiming to be the Lord's son! Lorenzo knew the Lord, and he heard rumors of how his son hated to be known around locally. Why would that change now in front of Lorenzo, a knight, and a doctor? It didn't make sense!

Bastian was about to protest the arrival of the man on the horse when a second man appeared also vying for his patient's attention. The second one claimed to be the son of Lord Bryce. Bastian wasn't aware that Bryce had a son. Then again, he was a relatively new addition to Milborne. Regardless of who these men were they were interfering with his work.

Before Bastian could tell the men they would simply have to come back later, Lorenzo invited Bastian inside. Bastian entered the cottage, but did not go find a seat. Instead he took position behind Lorenzo. These intentions of these men were unknown, so Bastian decided it would be best to remain nearby just in case.

Col found that another man had come up behind him, to his surprise it was the son of Lord Bryce himself. "Ah well, it seems your little cottage is quite busy, I shall wait until your business with the doctors and milord's son is concluded before intruding upon you with my own concerns." Col said politely, bowing briefly to Favian as he did so. Though it pained him to let the others go first, as it meant that Lorenzo may well be swept away in a prior engagement, the doctor had been here first and Favian outranked him, so it was only just that he allow them to speak with the tracker first. As such Col stepped to the side and waited patiently, as he thought over the situation. Rolf's insistence on keeping abreast on current events as well as his education in general made it so Col was perfectly aware that Lord Bryce's son had not been seen in quite some time. However, one might also consider the unknown reason for the presence of the soldiers he'd observed earlier and how that factored into this. The only way Favian would be able to escape notice for this long was if he was actively avoiding detection. Therefore it wouldn't make much sense for him to be around Lord Bryce's guards, but if the guards had picked up knowledge of Favian's whereabouts it would make sense for them to be looking around. There really wasn't any way to tell at the moment. Could he do something to prove this person's identity either way? Col considered this as he waited.

Marque nodded politely to Lorenzo as he was invited in, then turned to Col who had offered to stay outside until business had been properly concluded. "Please good sir, I see no reason why you should be forced to wait in the mud whilst we speak with such a popular man! Your station and mine are not so far apart, you know. If such pleases you, and mister Lorenzo as well, I request that you join us. Perhaps we can be of assistance to one another, hm?" He laid it on, but not too thick. Just enough that it should hopefully flatter Col without sounding too put on. Once that had been concluded, he entered the cottage and waited for Lorenzo to ask they speak the reasoning of their visitations.

"Master Lorenzo, I come to you in a time of need. Normally revealing myself would be the most paramount of negligence, yet circumstances conspire that I show my hand. There are those in my father's court that cannot be trusted, a conspiracy such that runs deep as well water. For this very purpose I had myself spirited away from my position of lord's son, heir to the throne, lest I succumb to the social vampires myself." Marque had to pause at this moment in order to build dramatic effect. Yet he had to remember that these were the common man, not students of the theater, and as such his choice of language could possibly be lost on them. He decided to take a more grounded approached when he picked back up.

"There have been disappearances of late, and crimes with no perpetrator. One such example is the burning of the local theater. My sources tell me that the theater master was seen entering the Glittering Wood. It is my desire to hire you in order to track him down, in hopes of stifling this conspiracy." He then looks to Col. "And I could use a good sword arm in this quest. Surely it would bring you great honor and a rise in station should we trace this conspiracy to its source, no?" That just left the only other man in the room, who looked to be a physician of sorts. "That is, of course, if you clear master Lorenzo's health. If needed, you could also come along to tend to his body."

---

"You would want me to assist you?" Lorenzo asked with a look of sheer disbelief. This paralyzed man assisting with efforts to help out the son of his previous boss? That was a new thing that Lorenzo hadn't heard of, and it caused him to chuckle slightly. Martyrdom waltzed over to Col's side and eagerly looked up at him for what is to be assumed as a head scratch while Lorenzo spoke again.

"I would offer my services, but I am afraid that I must remain here in my cottage. My legs are like marmalade, and they cannot support me. Martyrdom is the only hound I have with me, and if you need a tracking companion you would have to wait a fair amount of time... unless..." Lorenzo paused, took a deep breath, and exhaled. "... unless you would care to take this crippled artist with you." Ugh. Artist. Lorenzo shuddered at the thought of that being his actual passion. He was terrible at it, and none of the landscape paintings in the back of his cottage could say anything otherwise. They were all terrible! Absolutely dreadful! "Of course, this must first be consulted with my doctor." Lorenzo turned to look at the doctor, his seat sadly not being a mobile one.

This all seemed out of place. A man claiming to be Bryce's prodigal son and who he assumed was some sort of knight or squire were both asking for the assistance of a man who couldn't even walk. Furthermore, they wanted his help in the forest where there would be no one else around.

"If it was up to my discretion then this man wouldn't be going anywhere for at least a month so that I may determine whether or not I'll be able to restore his mobility."

Lord Favian insisted on Col joining them in such a way that seemed excessive. Had Lord Bryce ever been so... extravagant? Surely if he was like this all the time hiding for such a duration would be impossible wouldn't it? Of course to out someone for such a trivial suspicion would be foolish. What could he bring up? "Very well." Col said in response to Lord Favian's offer and the group of them entered the cottage. Lorenzo seemed eager to leave the cottage, though the doctor suggested otherwise. Col offered his hand palm forward to the dog at his feet, seeing if it wanted to smell his hand first before running his hand over the dog's head with a smile. He'd always liked animals and the feeling was usually reciprocated. "My apologies Lord Favian on two fronts. Firstly, that I have my own task to attend to and should hope to accomplish that before lending my services to another. Secondly-" Well, he never had been one much for cloak and dagger. "I'm afraid I must question your identity. As you must well know, you have been gone for a good while, with nary a reason I have ever heard. I musk ask if you have proof of who you are." Col's voice was still polite, but serious as well, his brown eyes staring sternly at the presumed Lord Favain.

Marque had been prepared for this. It was a risky role to take on, the runaway nobleman. Such a question was only sensible for the knight-in-training to pose, or any who had half a functional mind. Favian had been missing for such a length of time, without nary a trace. This would be Marque's most challenging yet rewarding role to this point. "You have your sensibilities about you. This is good. I know how unbelievable my own story sounds at this juncture and am prepared to prove my word. Behold."

Marque reached into his dirty pockets and pulled out a nice, well woven piece of cotton cloth, the kind cut from the same material one would expect the rich to wear. Upon it was emblazoned the sigil of House Bryce. A prop the actor had been preparing, and one that had cost him a pretty coin, it was to be used in a future production he had little taste in. A piece he mocked for lacking soul, a propaganda piece for Lord Bryce's political agenda. Yet the cloth's quality could not be contested, and the ink had been applied with painstaking detail. If ever there was a well forged prop, it would be this one.

"My birthright, taken on the day I left to join the commoners in order to better investigate this conspiracy. Young as I was, the thought had occurred that I should need to verify my identity to reclaim my throne. Though I now have no such interest, this should suffice to prove my identity, good sir?" Once he had flashed the prop before Col just long enough for the squire to comprehend what it was, Marque did the same for the two other men sharing his presence, then pocketed the thing once more.

---

... what just happened? The world seemed to become distant for a moment. Maybe Loretta was right. Maybe the depression was causing Lorenzo to space out for a few moments when it did.

"Lord Favian," Lorenzo started with a tone of slight wonder in his voice. "I request that you show that document at a speed that we can actually read it at." This man was quite one indeed. Waving his damn proof around so fast that you can't even tell if it's real or not. Something was amiss and Lorenzo was skeptical about this ordeal, and that's putting it lightly.

Martyrdom on the other hand was quite pleased with Col's affection being shown to it. His special spot was scritched and he loved scritches in that spot. That man was a good man to go to for the good scritches. Maybe the other man was good too? Martyrdom walked over to Bastian before doing the same thing, looking up at the man with a tilted head and wondering if he would get scritches as good as that from this man as well.

Col exhaled in relief upon Lord Favian's reasonable nature, after an examination of the cloth in questions Col concluded that it was sufficient evidence. After all, it looked to be quite detailed and of fine cloth, such that no simple person trying to impersonate him would be able to easily acquire it. "Thank you very much, I'm sorry for forcing you to do such a thing but it seems you understand my concern." Lorenzo spoke up asking to see it himself, seeing rather suspicious about the whole thing. "It looks like quite official to me, rest assured Lord Favian has my full trust. As things stand I apologize for my request and my interruption, please continue."

---

"I greatly appreciate your validation, sir at-arms," Marque began, giving a slight bow to Col. He then switched direction to Lorenzo. "A healthy level of suspicion is good to have. I've no qualms in presenting my accreditation for your pleasure once more." Again he produced the cloth with the sign of House Bryce, only this time he allowed Lorenzo a greater time to inspect it before once again pocketing the thing.

"In any situation, I believe we must make haste, for the matter is urgent. Please accept my pleas and take on this job, sir Lorenzo, and you shall find yourself a great debtor. And sir at-arms, I apologize at having rushed past your own introduction. If you would join us as well, know the deed is a noble one. Now, are there any preparations that must be made for your health, comfort, or efficacy, sir Lorenzo?"

---

Lorenzo sat in front of the man claiming himself as Favian and simply stared for a few seconds.

This was a request to the man who was once told he could never walk again.

The request to the man who was still in grieving for the loss of his one true friend.

The request to a man that had considered many a time to just stop getting out of bed.

"... very well," Lorenzo spoke before he whistled for Martyrdom to return to his side. The man's head turned to face the doctor that had been sent for him. "Doctor. I must be asking a lot of you, but I implore you to accompany me on this quest. I shall reward you with the money I have saved in my days of hound training in addition to a faithful companion in the future that shall never rest as long as he is at your side." Another whistle, followed by a snap, commanded Martyrdom to wander over to Lorenzo's bow and quiver, long covered in dust from the time spent since the last use.

"Knight of Lord Bryce, accompany us as well on this venture. I'm no fool, the forest is filled with creatures of incredible threat. Your sword and shield shall prove valuable in the efforts of Favian's protection, as well as reward you with the experience that would prove valuable to your career and devotion to the lord."

Lorenzo smiled for the first time in a while. The thought of being a help again made him quiver with excitement.

Then the smile faded away.

"Sir Favian. I must request of you one thing. A device capable of movement and supporting my weight so I may move on my lonesome if I have to," Lorenzo patted Martyrdom's head once more as Lorenzo finished speaking. "Give me this and I shall help you on your quest."

Bastain simply stood in silence as he took everything in. This was not at all what he had anticipated when he agreed to come examine this man's legs. First a knight shows up and then the supposed son of Lord Bryce which Bastian didn't even know existed. They came to ask for aid from a man who couldn't even walk. To make matters worse, that same man agreed to help them and asked if Bastian would accompany them. This wasn't something he could just decide on the spot. Besides, there was still this man's health to consider.

"Are you sure this is a good idea," Bastian asked Lorenzo. "You don't even know these men, and you can't even walk. I understand you must be tired of being stuck in the house, but you have your health to consider. At least take some time to think about this first."

Not to mention that Bastian had a family. He couldn't just go running off on some epic adventure without telling them. Even with Lorenzo's offer to pay him, Bastian wasn't even sure how much that actually was. For all he knew Lorenzo could have next to nothing and the trip would not have been worth his time.

---

Though the majority of the group was ready to set off, Bastian had his reservations. Namely, caring for his patient and letting his family know where he would be going. If Lorenzo decided to go regardless, Bastian would be responsible for his well being. He was making a house call. If the patient was hurt under his watch he could be out of a job. Also, his employer would pay extra for his time away from home with Lorenzo. Bastian could also use his ability on him to hopefully make Lorenzo walk again. Imagine that! The only supplies he carried on him was a medical bag with the tools of his trade inside. With Lorenzo's agreement, he could use some of their stores for food on the journey.

---

Col's steed was a perfect form of transportation for the crippled hunter. Once Lorenzo was saddled in, Col could guide his horse by the reigns from the ground. The Glittering Wood was not far from them, making their conspicuous journey less so. Col had all his supplies saddled on Merlin. Not extravagant, but adequate. As Col pondered the method of their travel, through the window he perceived a bright orange flame from a tower of the city wall. He of all the group would know this was a form of communication between the members of the guard. It was possible they spotted Col on his way, a direct violation of Bryce's command. They would need to get a move on..

---

Lorenzo had all the supplies he needed and more for his unequipped companions. He could give out food, blankets and other items as needed from his home. His parents wouldn't mind...probably. Martyrdom could accompany him on the way. The smell of adventure was in the air, Lorenzo had been waiting for a moment like this since his accident. A time to be needed, a time to belong. His excitement was palpable.

---

Marque was more then ready to proceed. The longer they stayed the more likely he would get caught. What would become of his master then? Marque didn't want to think about it. Even he didn't know how long he could keep his disguise up. Choosing to impersonate the heir of Milborne was a bold move. It had many benefits, but the consequences of impersonating a noble were nothing to laugh at. However, being a wanted man already made him more desperate. As long as he didn't get caught it would not matter.

---