Alexander was glad for the time he was moving carefully through the halls of the barracks. The only men that had seen him enter the complex had been the two men guarding the gates in and out. Luckily they had been the same men that were stationed there when he left. They had given him looks of confusion at his time of return, but did not bother to question him about it. Once in the complex, there was no one but the occasional man on patrol, but once they saw his uniform, they did not bother him.
Once he had gotten to his office, with it's attached bunk, he gathered up anything he thought was important. He had made sure to take the letter he had received from the General, as well as any other communications he had received since the first. He had changed his clothes into something more civilian, not wanting to draw attention to himself, though he packed the uniform and any other items that would identify him as military in a small pack.
After he had gathered up everything he saw as important, he began his way back out of the complex. Most of his men, Alexander included, felt that the fact the stables was separated, outside of the complex, from the rest of the buildings was an annoyance. This evening however Alexander was thankful for it.
Heading back out into the night, Alexander made his way to the gates without seeing any of the guards. At the gates, the men let him pass back out mostly unbothered. They looked as if they were going to stop him, but as one of the men recognized him, they let him through. It was not so much their job to keep people in as it was to keep people out.
He made his way out, down the street, towards the stables that kept all the mounts that had been brought with the soldiers, and a few that the guards had access to. The building was very different from the guard complex inside the walls. Where the rest of the buildings assigned to the guards and the military were stone, the stables were made of wood.
Entering through the side door of the building, he was bombarded by the familiar smells of horses, dung, hay, stall bedding, and leather polish used on the harnesses and saddles. The familiarity was comforting, even in the madness that was that evening. He quickly made his way through stables, working towards the stall that held his horse.
He found the stall, having visited it multiple times since arriving in Garlin to care for his steed. Entering the stall, Cirrus wickered. Alexander placed a familiar hand on the gray gelding’s neck to calm him as he approached the animal's head. When Cirrus realized who was in the stall with him, he calmed, giving Alexander room to maneuver in the stall.
Alexander made quick work of the knot that tied Cirrus into the stall and lead him out. He tied the horse back up outside the stall and turned to go and retrieve his saddle and bridle. A sword point stopped him as he finished his turn. The blade was steady and the light of the lantern the man held, as well as the few lanterns in the stable that were lit gleamed of the well cared for metal. Alexander held his breath as the other man examined him.
The sword dropped away, "Lieutenant, what are you doing here at this hour?" Jogan asked, surprise full in his voice.
"Jogan, thank the weave it is you, I need your help," Alexander placed a hand on his shoulder and turned him to walk along side him to the tack stall, "I need to leave Garlin tonight. I have some companions that will be coming with me. They will all need horses. I need you to find two mounts for them. I need them to be fast, but even more importantly, they need to be well rested and well broken."
Jogan stopped mid-step and stared at Alexander, "Lieutenant, what is going on?"
Alexander sighed, "I can't explain right now. The letter I gave you will explain, just don't read it until I have left. Will you help me?"
"Of course I will Lieutenant," Jogan said, almost saluting, and moved off into the stables to retrieve the other animals.
Alexander moved into his tack stall and retrieved his saddle, saddlebags, and bridle. His mind raced as he went through the process of saddling his horse. He was so rehearsed at the process that he found himself standing there, completely finished, without realizing he had done a thing.
He heard hurried, quiet footsteps coming from behind him and spun, hand on his sword. He almost collapsed as Jaron stopped, eyes wide and panicked. The young man still wore the same outfit he had been in all night, but now carried a bundle, wrapped in what appeared to be a blanket.
"Alexander, it's me, Jaron," he said, the look of panic leaving his eyes as he realized the sword remained in its sheathe.
"You shouldn't sneak up on someone like that," Alexander said, turning back around to look over his work, "Especially not tonight."
Jaron walked up to Cirrus and stroked his neck, "I know, I think I've jumped at every little noise since leaving the sewers."
"Lieutenant," Jogan said, looking at the ground as he approached. His eyes locked on Jaron when he looked up, "is he one of your companions?"
Alexander shifted his eyes, first looking at Jaron, then Jogan, "Yes Jogan, he is one of the others I'm leaving with tonight."
"Then, who are the two that are bringing the tack for these animals up?" Jogan asked, glancing behind him.
Alexander's brow furrowed and his hand returned to the sword as the images of two men began to emerge from the shadows, "Who's there?"
Matthew stepped into the light, followed by an older man that Alexander soon realized was Miktan, "It's me, and Miktan. He wouldn't stay behind. There wasn't anything I could do."
Alexander raised an eyebrow at the two newcomers, "How much does he know?"
"All of it," Miktan said plainly, "and I'm not about to let these two rush off into the night without a proper chaperon."
Alexander's gaze passed over every one gathered. Jaron stood there, a questioning look on his face; Matthew just shook his head in resignation; Miktan stared at Alexander as if to challenge him to object; and Jogan looked completely lost.
"Very well," Alexander said, turning to sort his bundle into his saddlebags, "Jogan, we are going to need another horse."
"Lieutenant," the man responded, waiting for Alexander to turn and look at him, "I don't know what is going on, but I am not about to let you go rushing off into the night alone. I will accompany you."
Alexander tried to keep his eyes from rolling, but it was in vain, "Jogan, I need you to stay here with the men. They will need your strength to help them through what is to come. You can not come with us."
Jogan seemed to be caught. One part of him wanted to obey the orders given him, as he always did. Another part wanted to throw away his orders and protect his superior officer. Alexander shook his head, placing a comforting hand on the man's shoulder. That seemed to be all Jogan needed and he turned, heading off into the stables after another animal.
"Well, at the rate we're going, I'll need someone else to saddle this other horse if we are to leave before dawn," Alexander scanned the three men standing before him.
"Don't look at me," Matthew said putting his hands out in front of him, "I'm just a street thief. I don't know anything about these animals. We'll be lucky if I can ride one."
"I've always had my animals saddled by someone else," Jaron said apologetically.
"Very well," Miktan said, moving towards one of the now tied horses, "I suppose I'll have to do it. I just hope my back doesn't give out."
Alexander gave a smile at the older man. Regardless of his age, Miktan seemed to move with surprisingly youthful grace and strength. Both men made quick work of the gear, and as they finished, Jogan brought a fourth mount, already saddled and ready to ride. Each man worked their belongings into the saddlebags and Alexander looked over the small group of men.
“Jogan, could you grab us one of the camp bundles and four bedrolls please?” Alexander almost felt guilty asking the man to do anything more, given he knew nothing, but the man moved into action without delay anyway.
“So,” Miktan spoke, “where is our destination?”
All eyes moved to Alexander. He supposed that he had taken control of the situation up until now, and it made sense that, given his military training, he would make the decisions for the time being.
“My parent’s live two days ride from here. We can go there for a short while and plan the best choice of destination when we have some breathing room,” Alexander explained.
Everyone nodded in understanding. Alexander hoped that they would be okay at his parent’s farm. It had been many years since Alexander had been to visit his parents and his father had not been too happy with his decision to join the military. He knew his mother would greet him with open arms, but his father’s word was as good as an order given by any of the five generals.
Jogan returned carrying a pack filled with various gear for making camp and four bedrolls. The man handed the pack to Alexander and gave a bedroll to each man without speaking a word. He returned his eyes to Alexander. He knew the look on Jogan’s face well. He was standing, nearly at attention, waiting for his next order.
“Jogan,” Alexander said, back straight and arms to his side, “you have always been a loyal soldier and I hope that I know that my actions this night have been strange. I have one final order for you. You still have the letter I gave you when I left this evening?”
The other man nodded, “Good,” Alexander continued, “In my office, in the bottom left drawer, under some reports is another letter for you. I want you to retrieve it and when completely alone, read both letters. They will explain some of what it going on. Is that understood?”
“Yes Lieutenant,” the other man said giving a proud salute.
Alexander returned the salute, “You are dismissed. I hope to see you again soon my friend.”
The other man spun on his heel and marched out into the darkness of the stables. Alexander felt as if he had betrayed Jogan. He knew that it was better if Jogan remained with the men, but he still felt horrible about it all.
“We had better leave now,” Miktan said, “that is if you are wanting to avoid detection.”
Alexander nodded and mounted Cirrus, the gray horse taking a few quick steps, ready to move after a few days in a stall. Miktan and Jaron mounted, both smoothly. Alexander supposed that he should not be caught off guard at the bard’s movements, but it was still surprising to see him almost flow into his saddle.
Matthew stood there, looking at the bay mare before him. His eyes never left the horse, but Alexander knew the look in his face. It was obvious that the young man had never been on a horse. Alexander sighed, dismounting from Cirrus who seemed disappointed at losing his rider.
“Matthew,” Alexander said, walking to join the frozen man, “it’s all right. I know this mare. Her name is Belle. Come over to her head and let her smell you out.”
Matthew did as he was instructed, though it took a hand at his back to get him started. The two moved to the horses head and Alexander placed a calming hand on her nose. The horse snorted and Matthew jerked. Alexander held him close with a hand still at his back.
“Show her your hand,” Alexander instructed and Matthew raised his hand cautiously to the mare’s nose, “and now just let her figure you out a bit.”
The mare sniffed at Matthew’s hand for a few moments before dropping her head a bit and pushing her nose into his hand. Matthew’s hand pulled back for a moment, but was soon stroking the mare’s nose along the stripe of white that travelled the length of her face. Once Matthew seemed relaxed, Alexander took him over to the saddle.
“All right, you need to put your right foot in here,” Alexander held out the stirrup and Matthew raised his leg up, placing his foot in it, “Good, now brace yourself with the horn and seat of the saddle and pull yourself up and settle into the seat.”
Alexander placed Matthew’s hands on the horn and back of the seat and took a step back. Matthew bounced a few times, testing the steadiness of the hard leather that made up the saddle. Finally he lurched up, swung his leg over and fell into the saddle.
“Good, now make sure that your other foot is in the stirrup and Belle is likely to do the rest for you. Once we are away from the city a ways, we’ll work on your riding,” Alexander explained as he once again mounted Cirrus.
Matthew remained silent, as if his voice may scare the horse he was now atop of, but nodded in understanding. Alexander pulled Cirrus around and started out the stables and into the streets. Jaron took up a position behind him and Matthew, or rather Belle, took place behind the buckskin gelding Jaron was astride. Miktan skillfully directed the chestnut stallion into the rear position.
Alexander was well aware of the stallion’s nature and was glad to see that Miktan was more than just a capable rider. Maestro could be strong willed and would fight against an inexperienced rider. As long as the horse was made aware that he was not in control, he was fine. Alexander was glad that Matthew had not been left with the stallion.
Their procession carefully, but quickly made their way through the streets and before long were at the eastern gate of the city. Going out the eastern gate would make the trip a little longer, as his family’s home was just around two days ride west of Garlin. However, if any of the gate guards were questioned as to their leaving, it would appear that they were heading east.
None of Alexander’s men knew where his home was, at least not specifics. Most knew he was from Garlin, or nearby, but he had told none of them where they could find his parent’s farm.
As they approached the gate, a guard stepped out of the small gatehouse to the left of the opening in the wall, “Halt.”
Alexander drew his horse to a stop and all of those behind him did the same, “What can I do for you?”
The guard carefully examined the four men in the poor light given off from the open door of the gatehouse and the single lantern that burned nearby. He was a good guard. He took in every detail from their plain appearances, to their swords, to the fine horses they rode and even the pack of camping equipment that hung from Alexander’s saddle.
“Where might you be going at such a late hour?” the guard asked, locking eyes with Alexander.
“Late?” Miktan spoke up, “My good man it is early. We have a long journey ahead of us. Some friends of ours are getting married over in the village of Burwood in two days. Hardly enough time to get there I know, but our invitations only just arrived yesterday afternoon.”
The lies slid off the man’s tongue so eloquently that Alexander could have almost believed him. The guard’s head turned to examine the older man who had slowly moved nearer the guard during his speech. The guard’s face began as one of absolute confusion and disbelief, but it slowly melted into one of understanding.
The guard nodded and waved his hand towards the open gate, “You’d better get going then. Safe travels.”
With that the guard turned away and went back into the gatehouse and closed the door behind him. Alexander gave a questioning look to Miktan who just smiled in response. Not wanting to waste anymore of their time or give the guard a chance to rethink things and come back to stop them, Alexander kicked Cirrus into a trot and started out from Garlin. The others followed, though he heard a choked off grunt which he assumed came from Matthew as Belle moved to match the speed of the rest of the group.
Alexander felt tension begin to release from his body. He had not been able to truly relax since the realization of what had occurred that evening struck him. Now that he was moving away from Garlin he felt for the first time as if he had a chance to fix what he had unknowingly started. Though he had no idea as to where they should start.
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