[Yshania]

“Fools!” she gasped, as she dragged Pridwen to a long and sliding halt, dust spraying from the mares seemingly tireless hooves. Distant raucous laughter filled the empty early morn around the crude camp, and from her vantage point the druid could count at least a dozen revellers, maybe more. She focused her attention on the one seated furthest from the fire…she could just about make him out as better dressed, and better counselled to hold his peace, yet in his obvious authority he had failed to silence his party’s exuberance. “Welcome to the stage!” she threatened somewhat emptily, considering their advantageous number. She slid from Pridwens back and made ready.

“Time for au natural, my friend!” she whispered to her mount as she unbuckled her small leather saddle and light reins and discarded them, carefully dragging up the soft earth to cover their resting place amidst the roots of an isolated gnarled old oak. She shouldered her pack, and belted her scimitars, then bid Pridwen luck. The mare swung her head and nickered, understandingly, before shaking out her mane and trotting a wide circle directly south and then east of the party. The druid trusted her horse implicitly, and their last lingering gaze had requested pace be held…Pridwen faltered then adjusted accordingly, stopping to graze whilst carefully awaiting the signal.

Yshania remained motionless and thoughtful for a moment. She could call Githra from his rest for naught and have him head off any potential threat, yet for the time being she could not justify expending his energy as she was still uncertain as to the motives of this band. She set off north and east alone, turning to nod her consent towards Pridwen who, for all intents and purposes, became another wild horse of the plains as she turned to stroll away, keeping a respectful distance from the camp yet following Yshanias lead.

The druid would regret the remainder of this journey to Shilmista on foot, just as she struggled to comprehend this sudden and instinctive urgency.

“Rather safe than sorry” she reasoned as she finally settled herself into a hidden spot a calculated half mile beyond the camp, the clear air carrying intonations of revelry even if she was unable to determine focus. She would up and continue once their silence threatened they were on the move, something told her the quiet one would not be expecting they rest further this day…the same niggling voice which advised she stay ahead whilst keeping them in her sights…