The GraveWalkers

Chapter Six

Korran hated the feeling of riding the beast man called a horse. Firstly, whether they were trotting or galloping, their hooves made way too much noise for his liking. As someone who'd grown up learning that silence was the best way to avoid or win against his enemies, each snap of a twig under the heavy hoof sent a pang to his heart. Secondly, the damn ride was bumpier than a toad.

It didn't help that the damn wolf kept looking back at him, almost as if it expected him to attack its precious owner any minute now. Korran didn't even know how the damn beast didn't have the horses in a fright, considering it practically reached their chests on all fours. Despite his hands clutching the reigns he kept his hand ready to spring into action should the mutt lunge. 

His attitude certainly hadn't made friends out of the team but that didn't bother him. What worried him most was the possibility that everyone's abilities weren't at the level Alaric made them out to be. He mentioned that he'd handpicked them himself, but people didn't always live up to expectations when the time came.

Ahead, Alaric halted, pulling his horse diagonally to face them. Korran noted that the man seemed at home on horseback, which wasn't surprising considering his position. "We have a decision to make," said Alaric, glancing briefly at each person in turn. "Up ahead there's a small village," he motioned to the sky which was started to betray the dark coat of the night, "we can find an inn and settle down 'till morn or we can continue onward into the night and set up camp in the morning along Soarth Peaks."

"Um...won't the forest be dangerous at night?" The wolf's owner who Korran had heard called Petra, asked in her usual timid voice.

"Everywhere is dangerous at night," Alaric answered truthfully.

"I agree with the lady," Ardus' voice thundered. "Nowhere is completely safe, but the forest especially so. Plus, we're all more likely to be more productive after a good night's sleep - this what the Gods intended."

Alaric looked to Fiona and she just shrugged, her sapphire hair bobbing distractingly. "It doesn't bother me either way."

Mathis was a bit more direct. "I'm not scared of the dark. If time is priority, let's not waste a moment conquering these woods."

Alaric chuckled before his eyes landed on Korran. Korran looked at him pointedly, hoping he'd pick up on his meaning. "I don't think the villages around here are very...safe. Too many people with no business to mind, except others."

"We'll be careful not to attract attention," Alaric replied with a nod of understanding. Korran was a wanted man. The heftier the price of a bounty, the farther word traveled - and his bounty was indeed sizeable.

In truth, Korran was more than eager to get off the horse. "Very well, then." 

"It's settled then," Alaric announced with a dismissive wave of his hand, turning his horse forward with just a tug of the reins. "We'll look for lodging in the upcoming village - which if my estimate is correct, should only be a couple of feet away. From what I remember, they welcome visitors, but as Korran pointed out, it's best we don't attract attention to ourselves."

Mathis scoffed. "You think they'll be able to give us trouble?"

Ardus shifted on top of his stallion. His horse was noticeably bigger than the others, so Alaric must've planned ahead for him. Still, Korran couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity at the poor beast doomed to carry such a colossal encumbrance. "When a path without violence presents itself you should take it," Ardus lectured. 

"Agreed," Alaric chimed in before Mathis could reply. Mathis bit back whatever reply he was planning and just dipped his head. The army man was accustomed to being an obedient mutt - much like the wolf at their side.