Everyone quickly dressed and prepared all of their gear. Michael hadn’t had a chance to take care of his chipped and dented sword and shield, but was pleasantly surprised to notice that they’d already been replaced. Whether it was by his friends, or Bayle he wasn’t sure, but he was grateful to have the fresh gear. He kissed his amulet to the divine as he slipped it into his shirt and started placing it on his breastplate. His armor at least was still fresh since he hadn’t worn it at all during the infiltration. At the rate his strength was increasing, he was wondering how he would be able to keep his weapons and armor in good shape. Fighting any nobility or sufficiently titled and deeded individual led to numerous dents and dings in everything he carried. Perhaps that was why Bayle favored carrying so many blades at his waist.They were all ready in less than ten minutes and quickly made their way to the courtyard where Bayle was waiting with seven horses being readied for them. Michael grimaced and wasn’t alone, none of them had been particularly able horseman, though Ollie showed a surprising lack of worry as he stepped onto a stirrup and hauled himself up. With his height and the size of the horse he looked almost comical on its back.“I know you aren’t the best horseman, but don’t worry. These are all well mannered mares bred from Creant stock.”Michael got his foot up awkwardly in his own stirrup and pulled himself up onto the horse as well, trying to follow Ollie’s example. He took a few moments to find his balance and watched as the others got on as well. Pyotr made up for his lack of experience with horses with grace, and the others did about as well as Michael had, except for Crick who managed to get on without such smoothness that Michael hadn’t even noticed him do it.The stirrups Bayle was holding were making a straining noise as he watched them get onto their horses. His face was passive, but he clearly wanted to get moving. (...)