-----Seth nods as Raven talks, "Ok that sounds most sensible, Raven. If you do happen to see Sarah before we leave, please ask her to come meet me either at the horse riding school or this afternoon at my shop near the Two-Door Inn. It is opposite the flower seller. I really do need to talk to her about this crystal business."
-----Seth makes to leave and heads over to the Chamberlain, "My dear Lord Chamberlain, I am not sure exactly what I need for this trip but it seems we shall not be eating in taverns and inns. Everyone keeps ordering rations. Would you be so kind as to supply a week’s rations, saddle bags and a blanket for my convenience as well?"
-----Seth turns to whoever is left, "Well good bye all, I must hurry. I only have half an hour to try and throw together an ensemble suitable for riding."
-----About mid-morning, the sky remains cloudy as they gather together on the plain south of the Town of Hearthorn. Sol rides up on a spirited light warhorse. The steed has a golden coat and a light silver mane and tail. A thick band of white is down the length of its nose. There is also white below its hocks and knees.
-----With him are Raven and Rinda riding up on their own horses. The gray wolf trots obediently behind them.
-----Soon Kazel and Seth are seen crossing the River Bridge along with some guardsmen leading a trio of horses. Just as they approach, somehow Gimplefwick appears on the road, seemingly walking from the other direction.
-----As they greet one another again, they get a good look at the horses supplied by the Town Court. For Kazel, there is a magnificent chestnut colored mare with a black mane. For Seth, a slightly smaller riding horse, its black coat covered with large areas of white. Finally for the Dread Pirate, trots along a sturdy coal black pony.
-----Sol proves to be a patient teacher. He calmly goes over the basics...letting their respective horses get to know them, mounting and dismounting, basic what to do's and what not to do's and also general riding skills. Lastly he warns them that their backsides are going to be sore for ages and ages.
-----Sol’s horse proves to be quite healthy and spirited, but soon it is apparent that he has the young horse under control.
-----As the morning progresses, Kazel and Seth put a lot of hard work in. Even though, they remain positive, the tasks seem to be difficult for them to catch onto. Surprisingly, it is the Dread Pirate that takes to riding his small beast.
-----At high noon, the breeze continues to blow as everyone takes a break to eat their lunch and ease their saddle sores. As they sit and talk, guardsmen arrive with the supplies each of the new companions requested. A folded pouch from the House of the Healing Light with six healing potions is among the supplies. As they talk, a large crow lands on Seth’s hat and caws loudly until the musician offers it some food.
-----After they eat, Seth and Raven begin to put Kazel, Seth and Gimplefwick through the rigors of riding once more. It becomes truly wondrous to see the Dread Pirate riding tall in his saddle, with the parrot bobbing up and down on his shoulder, as his pony maneuvers correctly at his commands and leads. As he stops and dismounts, the pitch-black pony nuzzles him as if in appreciation.
-----Finally toward the end of the day, Kazel and Seth get the hang of riding enough to stay in the saddle. As late afternoon comes on, Raven reminds them all to meet in front of the Town Hall building tomorrow at the crack of dawn.
-----After the lessons have finished, Sol comments to the group, "Gimplefwick has the parrot, Seth the crow, Sarah has her owl, Raven and Rinda the wolf, and me and my horse. Anyone see a pattern here?"
-----He gives a grin and glances at Kazel, "Now all you need is a pet cat and we'll be the butt of every joke between here and Goretha."
-----"You forgot where animals in my care usually end up," Kazel says dryly. She then pats her horse reassuringly as if it might understand what she just said. Incidentally, she hasn't given the horse any personal name other than "horse" and "Hey!" so far.
-----Looking tired from the training, Kazel then unceremoniously flops on the grass. "Although I wonder why you suggest a cat..." muttering more to herself as she stares at the evening sky.
-----Long after the group departs to meet again the next day, she stays lying in the fields outside of town as if lost in her own world.