Horses neighed in the cold of midnight at Hilcastle. Light from torches and lanterns were making steams leaving from their noses visible.
“They have been standing here for hours!” the stable man said at the crowd gathered outside the gate. In the while he was stroking a horse, hoping at least one beast will stop emptying its lungs.
“Horses will begin sweating soon.” A soldier from somewhere answered.
People had started to march out of the giant gate with torches in their hands. Those who were not meant to leave with the expedition group had showed their presence as well. Horses neighed louder; making sure nobody in the castle would get sound sleep.
“Saddles tight?” Commander Eiga had a lantern hanging on his fingertips.
“Yes commander. I did it myself.” The stable man had his say.
“Good.” Eiga put the furry hat on his head and made his way to the gate with his sinking feet.
Horses of Hilcastle had horse-shoes enabling them to walk on surfaces worse than quicksand. Commander Eiga found it difficult to accept how much snow had fallen in the matter of hours. At least weather was in their side.
Ser Akimitsu was standing, holding a torch about to die, near the hanging head of Tetsu.
“It would have been dreadful if our captive had escaped or died.” Commander Eiga said to him.
“Him breaking chains is dreadful enough to me.” Ser Akimitsu said.
“Cold can damage metal.” Commander Eiga popped the cork out of bile and gulped the potion, “I have ordered forgers to make new chains and cuffs. We can use old ones for the horses.”
“How are preparations in the base?” Ser Akimitsu noticed his torch dimming.
“Padoreigu has sent fire raven to there. If his word is to be believed then the carpenter will start chopping trees for out carts as soon as sun rises.”
“He better build strong carts. South-western route to Nastria is terrible compared to path from Pryeg.”
“This is why we assume ten days for reaching Nastria.” Ser Akimitsu looked back at the soldiers starting to sit on their horses.
“Is the assumption positive or not?”
“Would you believe if I say positive?” Commander Eiga said after a long pause.
“Perhaps.” Ser Akimitsu moved his torch to his left hand and passed Eiga a box, “Don’t break it.”
“Why is everything precious so fragile?” Commander Eiga caught it.
“There you go.” A soldier said by looking at Wernh’An’s squire climbing on a horse.
“Privileges.” Ser Akimitsu smiled, “For him it is his own horse.”
Some guards were also helping Genzou to sit on the horse with special saddle on. Forger had wielded a back rest on the saddle just for Genzou’s old back.
Blindfolded Shinji was bought out at last. He had to share a horse with another soldier.
“What about him?” Commander Eiga raised his eyebrows.
“Not sure about his intentions.” Ser Akimitsu let out a lengthy breath, “Keep an eye on him.”
A soldier sat behind Shinji.
“And when everything is done,” Ser Akimitsu continued, “kill him.”
Commander Eiga nod, covered his mouth from the furry cloth and strolled for the healthiest horse.
Counselor Padoreigu was having a good look at everything happening in the ground. He watched the horses gallop towards south-west and didn’t take his eyes off till every blip of light from their torches had disappeared in mist. He went inside then locked the window. Breeze from outside had put out his lantern but he didn’t need it.
Padoreigu made his way to the ruined laboratory and knocked on the metal door beside it.
“They have left.” He said.
