As Marcus neared the Western gates, he kept his eye out for the stables, but honestly followed the strongest sent of hay and manure more than anything. Went he got close, he saw three men in and out of their armor, sitting around and putting on final polishes. It was probably a safe assumption that this was the rest of the guard complement he would be working alongside for the near future.
He leaned against a nearby barrel and began to check his belongings to make sure he was ready as well. Before long, he saw his previous compatriots approach - the talkative one, William, Marcus recalled, still seeming to take charge of the duo.
Marcus gave them a nod, "looks like you made it just in time", turning to see the sun almost at its peak. William smiled, "didn't want to forget anything, in case we decide to stay in the bigger city for the long haul". The shorter one, Ryans, was just as stoic and stone-faced as ever.
The hooded figure from before came out from the stables. "Let's get a move on! The sooner we get to Relama, the sooner we get paid! On your feet!"
Williams shook his head with a smirk, "some people never change. Jorgen may be a hard ass, but as long as you put in the work, he's always glad to re-hire for another trip. Just don't let him catch you slacking." Marcus nodded, "fair enough - consistent and reliable work isn't always easy to come by."
Marcus noted three covered wagons - with seven guards including Jorgen, they could leave two guards by each wagon, with Jorgen taking point or the rear.
Jorgen approached the other trio for their assignments. Marcus may not have been able to hear every word this time, but it sounded like the gist was a little different than he expected. One of the others would scout ahead, with Jorgen and the second marching from the front. The third would stay near the client in case they needed anything.
Marcus frowned - that left their trio to cover both of the other wagons; they'd be stretched a little thin in case of trouble.
Jorgen came to them next, merely raising an eyebrow at Marcus's attendance. "He's with us, grey," said William, "seeing as how Johnny couldn't handle his drink." Jorgen frowned, "as long as he does his job, he'll get the same cut as anyone else - but if wants to go farther than Relama, he'll need to prove himself along the way. I want two of you in rear - the other needs to stay near the middle. And lizard, make sure you're in rear - client won't trust you on your own yet."
Marcus shrugged. He didn't mind the company, but in a perfect world, the trip may be boring for whoever was stuck by themselves.
William turned to Marcus, "Ryans, you'll take the rear with Marcus, yeah? If I can keep Jorgen entertained a little, maybe we can get a little more free rein when we stop," William said with a mischievous smirk.
With the assignments decided, the caravan was off! Marcus hadn't been in Pinmanivega long, but he was ready to keep moving - the sooner he could reach Xi-Anc, the better.
The clip-clopping of the horses' hooves on the pavement punctuated the otherwise quiet farewell.