Kaeden gave the mage a backward glance and a brisk nod before revving the throttle on his magicycle. It didnt take long for him to catch up to the others who had kept up their constant speed. Once he had settled back into formation Kaeden slowed to keep pace with the others.<br/><br/>Kaeden had taken quick notice of how improved the magicycles performance was, as Lhurriel had said it would be, with the new crystals. He had never heard the machine purr so well before, nor handle so easily. Glancing at the crystal he saw it showed little sign of fatigue, though they had been traveling for several hours already. Being a lifelong knight his dedication was elsewhere, but he did know a thing or two about magicycles, (however little it was,) and he was impressed.<br/><br/>The woman had to have been well schooled in the arts to be able to create energy crystals as efficient as those. Crystal working was certainly not a trade that was easily picked up. It took many years of study and apprenticeship to be able to understand the properties and function of the crystals as well as how to create them. Kaeden was most certainly confident in the mage's ability, though; making crystals and hunting down thieves were two different things.<br/><br/>The conditions of the journey were that of a perfect mid-spring day. The day was warming and winds from the ride were enough to keep perfectly cooled as one traveled the road. The sun hovered lazily in the bright blue afternoon sky as though it were contented to watch as the immaculate white puffs of clouds pranced about. Though the conditions were brilliant, it was not wise to travel an entire day.<br/><br/>Kaeden began to wave commands to two of the escorts and as they approached a fork up the road, the two broke off toward the northbound road from their eastern path. As soon as they had gone, he waved instructions to the remainder of his soldiers and they nodded their understanding. Not too long after did they veer off the road toward a thin grove of trees. Once they were under the protection of the cold shade, they slowed to a stop and cut the engines to their magicycles.<br/><br/>"We will rest here for a while." Kaeden explained to his mage passenger as he stepped down from his cycle, "I sent the two others up north to the river for some drinking water. We will have a bit of food once they return, until then you are free to do as you like. But before we go any further, I would like to introduce our companions."<br/><br/>As Lhurriel was on her feet once again, he motioned a hand toward the thin blonde to his right.<br/><br/>"This is Rohwik." At the sound of his name, the man turned his attention to the pair. He had a lankier build in comparison to all others, but he was still strong and well toned, "He is one of the scouters that accompany us on this journey. The other scout is Tolan."<br/><br/>"It is a pleasure, Lady." Rohwik greeted with a low and respectful bow, "But please, call me Hawk. All friends do."<br/><br/>Just then, the other soldier who had wondered off on his own earlier returned and Kaeden placed a brotherly hand on his shoulder. This caught the man by light surprise, which was immediately replaced by a bit of confusion.<br/><br/>"This is William," he said with a stern shake of the soldier's shoulder, "He is able to assess any enemy's strengths and faults, whether man or beast." Kaeden spoke with sincere pride in his men and their abilities.<br/><br/>"Or woman." Snickered Rohwik in addition as he strolled by.<br/><br/>He didn't get far at all before he received a swift boot to the rear, compliments of William himself. A soft smile curled onto the corner of Kaeden's lips as he watched his comrades teased one another.<br/><br/>"It is certainly an honor to accompany you and Sir Alydarr on this mission for His Magjesty, Lady Mage." William bowed as well, "Sir, with our current progress we should be able to reach the Lord's estate before sunset."<br/><br/>"Good. I am certain Lord Atadel would be gracious enough to let us stay the night." William nodded to his superior and to their Lady companion before going on about his business, "The last of us is Ghestin, whom you had seen with a red cloth strip tied around his right forearm." Kaeden concluded, "He's a formidable man to cross steel with and has a wit to match. Anyhow, should you need anything, Lhurriel, do not hesitate to ask any of us."