章 12: The Send Off, Part Nine

The wooden back of the horse was relatively comfortable, and the impact from it's steps felt better than that of it's real counterparts. As they grew closer to the Eastern gate they found it was shut tight. They slowed and John rode up to his side, "Why is the gate closed?" Infront was a recognisable young captain, "Let's ask someone. The three rode up and the captain and his guards stopped him, "Sorry sir, gate's are… wait."

Alex jumped off the horse, "Fancy meeting you here." He bowed, "Commando Mooring, I would like to tell you those three from yesterday have been jailed for their crimes." He nodded, "Good, why are the Gates closed?" He stood up, "Direct orders from the Commander. Were not allowed to open the gates for anyone." John looked at him, "Why would he do that?" Alex looked at him, "The reason." He looked down, "No idea, sir."

Alex walked up to him, "We need to get through, bandit's have taken hostages and I tend to save them before they are executed." The captain looked up, "Have you taken it to the Commander?" "I have, but he will not help us." The captain paced a little, "Why would he… Johnson!" A guard near the Gate controls stood up straight, "Open it." The guard looked at him, "But, we have Orders to-" "And I'm giving you new orders, open the gate. I will accompany them myself."

Alex shook his head, "No, it's too dangerous," the young Captain looked at him, "I signed up to protect people, not guard a gate." Alex looked at John, "He seems pretty legit." Alex nodded, "Fine." "Thank you." Johnson vursed under his breath and began opening the gate. The captain ran to a stable on the side of the road, "Hendrick, your incharge of the company while I'm gone. If I don't return by morning notify the commander." Hendrick walked up to him, "Lance, what should I tell them."

He jumped on the horse and rode up to the group, "Tell them anything you want." Lance nodded to them, "Lead the way." Alex jumped on the horses back and waited for the gate to open. John looked at his horse, "I hope he can keep up." Lance patted the horses side, "My familys been breeding horses for generations, I bet he's ready to get out of that stall and do what he's been bred for." When the Gate opened just enough for them to ride out Alex kicked the golems side, "Hya."

The group raced out of the gate down the road as the gate closed behind him. True to his words the horse kept up well. The sun was starting to set as they reached the forest edge. They all stopped and Alex pulled out the map, "From here we have to split up in two groups. There's a secluded pond a mile away from here where we'll meet up again, but we have to watch out for the scouts."

John piped up, "They will be hiding up in the trees but most are pretty lazy." Alex began again, "Lance, you'll head with me and take the north route through the forest. John and Roswald will take the western route because they know it better." They all nodded and John threw a small device to each of them, "This is an experimental golem of mine, there connector and can transfer out voices through magic."

Lance looked at it, "How do we use it?" John sighed and put it in his mouth disgruntledly swallowed it, "Like that." Alex and Lance looked at eachother and reluctantly put it in their mouths and swallowed as well. "Irony taste, but it's not horrible." Lance touched his throat with his finger and a voice talked in their heads, "Do you hear me?"

Alex smiled and touched his own throat, "Loud and clear." Lance touched his shoke awkwardly, "This is much different than my magic." The three looked over, "You're a mage?" Alex touched his chin, he was wondering why he was acting so normal around the golems and swallowed the device without hesitation.He smiled, "Yeah, but my family aren't nobles. I'm from a branch family, Lance Ocelot, Captain of Company Twelve."

John raised an eye, "Ocelot? Your family are the ones who magically enhance their horses and sell them. So that's why you weren't falling behind." Lance rubbed the Horse's head, "J here is one of our best, but sitting in a stall everyday has dulled him a little."

Alex nodded, "Alright, let's get going." "Right." John and Roswald took off into the forest and Alex led Lance off the road. "So, your an enhancement mage." He nodded, "Yeah, I mostly focus on regular enhancements like strength or growth." "Have you ever enhanced eyesight?" He looked at him, "It's never crossed my mind."

After a few minutes of riding the sun had set and they had dismounted. Lance didn't bother tying up his horse, " He'll be fine, he'll stay here if nothing chases him." Before they entered Lance closed his eyes lost in thought before placing his hand on his chest. A green aura radiated at his eyes and he opened them.

They had changed into cat eyes, or more specifically a calicos, with two different colors. Alex nodded, "Not precisely what I meant, but it does the trick. Remember to keep an eye on the trees and notify me with the device if you spot one." As they were about to go into the forest they heard John's voice, "John, I'm about to head in."

"Be careful, if we are spotted we may not save them." Alex nodded, "Let's move."