<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(241, 241, 212)"> F1F1D4 <br/>
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Holger took a moment to collect himself, to let his rage boil down, his eyes cooling back to their pale blue. He brought the finger she had bitten up to his mouth, sucking at the blood, tasting even a hint of her familiar saliva around the wound as well. He would have to deal with her later. <br/>
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He stormed back around the corner of the building and grabbed his spear, sliding it into a sling fashioned for it across his back. It was angled, so that it wouldn't get int he way when riding on horse back and he could adjust the sling as needed. A clever leather worker had made it for him - a simple sling would have worked for Holger but this more advanced one was certainly very practical and useful. He checked himself once more, his hood drawn back as it was most of the time. <br/>
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He moved over to his horse and checked its bridle and saddle once more. A command was yelled and the assembled soldiers all broke rank to check their mounts and secure their pack horses as well. Holger slung himself up onto the back of his, turning it to face the small group that had assembled. He would have liked to have talked to them, individually, to learn their strengths and weaknesses, but the road would have to suffice for that.<br/>
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"Mount up!" He bellows. "I am Holger Grimmson and your leader for this expedition. My people do not hold ranks, but within the Empire I am Captain. You may call me by that name or my given name, whatever you would like. Most of you are not of a military background so ranks do not mean much to you. All I ask is that you follow my lead and do as I command. Where we are going, there is no room for dissent or personal squabbles. Where we are going, things are going to be rough, things are going to be hard. If you have any weakness about you, it will be tested time and time again. If you feel like you are not up for this adventure, now is the last opportunity you have to pack your things or go home."<br/>
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He paused, allowing for the moment to pass. "Do not grow attached to these creatures. We will be adventuring on foot. Take these next few days to lighten your...packs. No one is going to carry anything for you - each person needs to be self sufficient. We will need to move with agility. The terrain will be rough and we have much ground to cover." He had almost said 'load' but didn't feel that it was quite appropriate.<br/>
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"We'll be following the Soldiers. Stay on the path and stay close. There are...things...that make traveling along in the Grass a dangerous thing. If you have any questions, find me in the column and I will gladly talk to you." He finishes, digging his knees into the horse before heeling its flanks. He turned it to follow the Soldiers who had started down what could best be called a dirt path. It was certainly only wide enough for a single horse, a path worn down to the dirt. The Grass, tall as a man on either side, had been cut down on either side to a more respectable level, but it still hemmed them in.</span>