Getting Ready

Not wanting to waste time you begin saddling your horse. Seconds after you finish a thought hits you, “Can you ride?” You ask curtly.

“I haven’t tried,” she responds carefully.

You curse under your breath. “Just great! I suppose I will have to teach you as there isn’t enough room on Greyhorn.” You think for a moment then bellow for your groom, who comes rushing in seconds later. “Saddle Stanza,” you point to a small white mare, “and for God’s sake try to teach this little wench the basics of riding,” you add pointing to the elf girl. The groom nods and quickly goes about preparing the horse.

With the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon you, you make haste to your castle and begin packing the supplies you will need for the long and arduous journey through the elven forest. Being a seasoned knight you finish packing quickly and within an hour you return to the stables and secure your provisions to Greyhorn. With a fluid motion that comes from years of experience you mount Greyhorn and ride him out of the stables.

You make your way over the training yard where you are pleasantly surprised to find the young elf riding somewhat comfortably on the mare. The groom, who notices you approaching, signals for her to halt and you pull up beside her. “Do you need more time to practice?” you ask.

She shakes her head, “No, I think I have the hang of it,” she responds in her slightly accented musical voice.

“Good! Lets not waste anymore time then. I’ll take the lead at least until we reach the edge of the forest, which is a half day ride from here.” She nods and takes up a position behind you. “Do you have a name?” you ask, “I can’t just keep calling you elf girl.”

“Sylvanis, my lord. Youngest daughter of the moon priestess of the city of Quin’tel Terron.”

You nod and turn back to the road and meditate on the mornings events. Inwardly you smile. This would be it, this would be the deed that would make you the paramount night in the entire kingdom.