<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)">Soft hands deftly tied the leather strap around the ends of a long braid then tossed the Titian-colored locks behind her, feeling the dull thud of the braid hit her lower back. The young woman turned to the table top and drank heavily of the last of the tankard of water, licking full lips when she was finished, and then she approached the items she'd laid out on the table. With no wasted energy, she slid a small dagger into the hidden pocket in her leather boot, another in the small holster tied to her arm, and yet another in the holster carefully hidden in her thick hair. She placed the fourth dagger in the visible holster attached to her belt. Despite her weaponry, she wasn't a violent person. She was a cautious person. Next, she methodically wrapped a stack of blank parchments in leather and placed them and a bundle of lead sticks and a sharpening knife into her satchel. With one swift glance around the room, she left and made her way down the stairs.<br/>
<br/>
"I trust you slept well, Miss Clarke," came the lilting voice of a maid who handed her a parcel wrapped in parchment. "Lord Goddard bid me give this to you before you left, and he wished you a safe and enlightening journey." The maid curtsied and scurried away as the young woman pulled the strings and opened the package. Inside were a miniature manuscript titled <i>The Most Common Linguistic Sounds Known to Man</i> that her father had written and a locket on a simple strap. Curious, she opened the gold trinket and inhaled sharply as the painted visages of both her parents smiled up at her. Then she noticed that inside the parchment was writing.<br/>
<br/>
<i>Dear Miss Clarke,<br/>
<br/>
As you know, your father was my revered professor and gifted me with this manuscript when I left university. I have regretted this past year that I was unable to help him in his time of need when he had always been so generous to me. Although I arrived in Catahan too late to save your father, I did visit your home. As you no doubt know, it had been stripped of everything personal, except for this locket, which I found in one of the bedrooms. It is my wish that it will offer you comfort and encouragement on your journey.<br/>
<br/>
God speed, my friend.<br/>
Lord Alexander Goddard</i><br/>
<br/>
<a class="link link--external" href="https://data.whicdn.com/images/307684977/original.png" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Sabina Clarke</a> pushed down emotions that threatened to well to the surface and instead gazed at both her parents, their smiles the same as those etched in her memories. With one last glance, she snapped the locket closed and tied its strap around her neck, and then she shoved the parchment and book into her satchel and left the house, pulling the hood of her cloak over her head. It was early, even early for the people of this backwater town, so the roads were quiet as the young woman made her way to the meeting place. The last year had been chaotic and full of turmoil, and she was ready to take on a new challenge using some of the skills she had when her father was alive. When Lord Goddard had approached her about joining the Cartography Guild's newest Expedition, she eagerly accepted the position, pleased to be of service to a friend and, ultimately, the Empire. Her knowledge and ease with languages should prove a great help on the journey, and although it was highly dangerous, she'd been in dangerous positions before and was no stranger to death.<br/>
<br/>
The woman paused when she saw the outline of the gate and moved into the shadows of nearby trees. She studied the group nearby, from the group of soldiers in matching uniforms to the three men beside the horses. From the descriptions Lord Goddard had given her, she knew each of their names and jobs, but it was their behaviors that were most telling. Grimsson, the leader, held an air of authority and no nonsense, and the giant Red stood silent and lethal. The third man was Will Riot, the scout, and there was something almost boyish about him. The most interesting part of the tableau, however, was the arrival of a woman, dark haired and self-assured. She carried herself with authority and propriety, but the moment she saw Grimsson, her perfect demeanor faltered, and her body jerked as though shocked. She pulled the leader away in a private conversation, and from their body language, it was evident they knew each other. Sabina studied them a moment longer, and then she stepped from the shadows and walked steadily toward the quartet.<br/>
<br/>
------<br/>
(<i>Sabina's </i><a class="link link--external" href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/25/ff/56/25ff56abee00f3f16ed646d4f618f892.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank"><i>clothing</i></a></span><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 72, 65)"> since a dress is too cumbersome for an Expedition.)</span></i>