He grabbed the pommel of the leather saddle and swung himself up onto Ruin's back, settling Seraphina comfortably in front of him, right on the horn of the saddle.
He wrapped his heavy cape around her to shield her from the wind, securing her with one massive, armored arm.
"You will sit still," Kaelus warned, taking the reins. "If you fall, I will not catch you."
"Liar!" Seraphina muttered under her breath, getting comfortable against his chest and reaching into a small pouch Gallahan had desperately handed her, pulling out a perfectly chilled strawberry.
Kaelus ignored the accurate accusation.
He looked over his convoy.
The carriage was loaded with enough supplies to survive a siege.
The Count's treasury was secured.
The ghosts were gone.
"Vanguard!" Kaelus's voice boomed, scattering the last of the birds from the courtyard. "Formation! We ride for the next territory! And if the pace is too rough, the man who set it will be walking the rest of the way!"
"Yes, Your Grace!"
