He feels a little poorly for keeping Septus waiting, but he wasn't aware that his partner had intended to ride this day. He had pointed out earlier that it would make more sense to ride come morning, arrive before nightfall the following day... but Septus isn't exactly known for his patience. So Rickard only nods, turns away again, and goes to fetch his dogs, his armor... if it could even be considered armor. He wears only a studded leather jerkin over a quilted doublet. He has tried heavier armors in the past, but they don't suit him despite the risks of the job. He prefers to be mobile, and he has an irrational fear of getting caught in a river or a lake, burdened with heavy armor, drowning.
To travel light seems best.

Kerr is disturbed from her slumber in the kennels, as are her two brothers, Ruhan and Tivit. They, too, are named each for one of the other two hounds myth claims guards the gates of purgatory. Where Kerr is mottled and ugly, black, one of her brothers is as white as the snow, eyes brilliant and gold. He is quiet, never barks, though his growl is something to behold. Tivit was the runt of the litter, but he has grown large, strong. His fur is the perfect shades of browns and reds to blend into a forest landscape, with eyes as gold as his brother's. All three hounds tail their master as he returns to Septus and mounts his horse. He brings leads and harnesses for each dog, but they are tethered to nothing for now. Mayhap there will be need in the bordertown, but for now he allows them free reign. He trusts them not to lose themselves on the journey, nor to snap at any passers-by on their way out of the city.

Rickard rides alongside his partner in silence, his dogs keeping admirable pace, and not a one of them gives a chuff or snaps at the other, as dogs sometimes are wont to do when traveling with a pack. Tivit and Ruhan are as well-trained as their sister. When Septus slows, Rickard tugs on the reigns of his courser, matching his partner's pace. The dogs begin to stray from his side once they are out of the city, and he allows this. He knows they will return if he calls for them. 

"It matters little," Rickard responds simply. "It isn't our duty to find out." They were told to bring the man back alive, not to ponder over his use. Rickard would wonder about it all he wanted on his own, but he thought it unwise to speculate aloud. It wasn't their place.