"I am an Elven ranger," Ariadne replied, studying him closely. "I am as dangerous with a sword as I am my bow, and..." she waved a hand, burning a branch off a nearby tree. "Do not assume I am incapable of magic myself."<br/><br/>"Save your coin," Laeran said, handing it back. "Ariadne is the one person who can take these horses without paying. Returning them safely will be enough repayment for me."<br/><br/>"Come on you two," Ariadne said, nudging Silver towards the path north. "We have to reach the tavern at Marshan just north of the forest, we have an old friend of mine who can inform us as to what's happening beyond these borders." She nudged Silver into a steady trot. "Don't let me leave you two behind."