RoH: The Staging Grounds

One of the stable boys brought Peregrine over to him, and he took hold of the reins just as another horse stepped up behind him. 

"Vard," said Isabelle. "This is Remant. He'll be watching over Serevan, and contributing to the general defense."

Remant bowed. 

Vard, who was seated atop a massive warhorse and wearing a full suit of enchanted plate armor, scowled. "His Majesty mentioned that there would be a late addition to the expedition. I assume that's you."

Remant straightened and nodded. "I know of no other."

Vard sighed. "Well, your horse looks sound enough, and you've a bow and blade -- though no armor, I see. Can you scout?"

Remant nodded. "Scout, track, and forage as needed. Although..." He looked over at the assembly grounds. "...perhaps not enough for a group of this size." He'd counted twenty armored men and women, a carriage, two supply wagons, and a dozen spare mounts -- an expensive investment, in the post-war world. King Dorrin hadn't been exaggerating when he'd explained that he'd committed everything he could spare to this pilgrimage. That was three additional drivers, all climbing into place, plus a woman who was settling the spare horses and preparing to lead them out. 

"Good enough," Vard said. "I'm Vard Greenwell, Captain of the King's Own. If I call a formation, I want you to move to the carriage, and defend it with bow, blade, or knife as needed. Without armor or a lance..." 

"I understand," Remant said, carefully casual. "I'll stay out of your way."

"Do that," said Vard, "and we'll get along splendidly."

Isabelle rolled her eyes, and Remant managed not to react. "That's my intention, Sir Knight."

Vard hesitated for a moment, then nodded and rode away.

"Do me a favor?" asked Isabelle. 

"What did you have in mind?" asked Remant.

"When you get back, let me know what that arrogant prick looked like when he finally figured it out."

Remant chuckled. "Oh, absolutely." This was why he normally avoided Magi; they could see things about him that he preferred to keep hidden. But in this case, it seemed that he had a friend -- or at least an ally. 

It wasn't as if he didn't have friends among the Magi; it was just good to have another.