A good start at a fast pace

You sleep long and deeply, and awaken to a bright sky and a pair of beds empty but for yourself and some folded clothes. Picking up the clothes, you see they're a long sleeve shirt and pair of pants.

You put on the ensemble, and head outside, picking up the boots lined up by the foot of your bed. Stepping out of the house, you see your sisters fumbling with a pair of stocky workhorses, already dressed in riding outfits. Slipping on the boots, you walk up and get spotted by Xallia.

"Hey Sabine!" The disguised succubus calls out. "We were just making sure we had everything set up. We would have woken you when we were ready to go."

"I'm not angry you left me asleep, Xallia," You reply with a soft smile, "But you're lucky I'm not one with an extensive morning routine." You finish straightening out the horses' riding gear for your less experienced fellows.

"Still, go on ahead to the gate, I'll be there shortly once I've had a quick wash."

You go back around Rhea's house and freshen up a little. Finishing quickly, you make a beeline for the gate, and see your three companions being outfitted with weapons by the townmaster; a bow for Glenda, and shortswords for Anya and Xallia.

He turns and sees, then nods grimly.

"What we have to give isn't much, but all of it is solid and reliable. May these arms and mounts take you to Grelagnen with speed and security."

"Your help is indispensable sir." You accept with gravity, and arrange the seating. You ride the russet colored horse with Glenda behind you. The dark grey one is seated with Anya, and Xallia at her back.

"Fight on, Sisters." The old man urges, before signaling the patrolmen to open the way for you.

Like boulders from a catapult, your horses leap into a run, galloping down and around the mountainside. The animals are strong, and hold a steady pace for a good couple of hours, traveling farther than you could have hoped without them.

Xallia whoops in exhilaration at the novel experience of riding, and you, Glenda, and Anya are all a little giddy yourselves at the sudden speed and rushing scenery.

Finally you're back at the foot of the mountain, but as you pass an outcropping of rocks, dark shapes shoot up letting loose bestial war cries, signaling the next road block on your journey, one that demands a head-on confrontation.