Elise Shadewater & Vladimir Palebrooke
Elise didn't waste any more time. She took her small supply bag she had previously filled with a single change of clothes and rations from the small wooden table in her room, shrouded herself with her
black cloak and made her way out into the courtyard. Vladimir stood there waiting for her along with four other soldiers and the horses promised to her by Markovic.
"Ready to set out?" Vladimir asked as Elise walked towards them.
Elise trained her icy blue eyes at her bodyguard and nodded. She walked over to a black stallion and swung herself effortlessly into the saddle. She pulled down the hood of her cloak low on her face to cover it.
"Has his Holiness informed you about the individuals that we will be joining in this journey?" Vladimir asked as he swung himself into his own saddle.
Elise guided her horse to a trot.
"He has given me his orders and nothing else," she replied.
Her answer was not surprising to Vladimir. He matched her horse's pace, as did their 4 escorts. He automatically filled her in on the information he was privy to.
"This expedition group comprises of 5 magi.. William Mortalitas, a Dark Human proficient with death touch and porahas. Aelar Starseeker, a Half Elf with rejuvenate and nature sense. Romarod Vagkar, a Gargantu mage equipped with force palm and kinetic acceleration. Malcolm, a half Dark Human who is skilled in both healing and vampirism and finally, Salem, a Kil'garen who has control over elements... flame and wind."The female mage nodded her head.
"And the non-magi?" she encouraged Vladimir to complete the list.
"Seven. Gun'tar Mala'koral, a gargantu. Jamie, a human. The Shadow...I am certain you have heard about his exploits before. Elyra, an elf and a healer. Razer Brunt, a Kil'garen. James Blackwall, an instructor and a disgraced Templar. Thainar Teasen'rrelyn, a half elf," Vladimir finished enumerating.
James Blackwall. The name snatched at Elise's heart as her mind pulled up several hazy images of a boy. Lately her memories had been getting hazier and hazier but she had always disregarded it. Memories were nothing but a long gone past. It served no good to think of them. She pushed all images out of her head and urged her horse into a full run. They had to catch up to the group and there was no time to waste.
Following her lead, Vladimir urged his own horse forward, his mind on the additional order he had received from Markovic.
"If your little mage proves to be difficult, you make take it unto yourself to dispose her off." The words lingered in his head as their horses brought them closer to the group they were to catch up with.
It didn't take too long to finally spot the caravan of the expedition group. Without wanting to delay anyone, both Elise and Vlad decided to ride alongside it, the four escorts trailing behind. Elise kept her face hidden beneath the shadows of her hood while Vlad took the time to study some of the caravan's occupants.