He smirked and had actually wanted that, they WERE supposed to be a fairly powerful adventuring group, after all. And having a deadline, but no horses, had no doubt seemed suspicious. Being able to use overland stride would seem more in line with his supposed identity. And not wanting to have to deal with horses would be why they were still afoot. They went around the guard, not bothering to slow for him, though if it was too far, they would get in front of him which was what he REALLY wanted. They needed to get to the capital, though he would have to head on by himself, at least to the last town on the map, for appearances sake, but that he could do alone, and let the others get information in the capital while he did that.