Kaitlyn vaulted off Roan faster than the blink of an eye. As she landed, she pulled her hand back and smacked the horse on the rump causing the beast to run off into the woods beyond. No points in wasting the stallion’s life by making him stay. She hadn’t made the horses wear armor of any kind, sometime which currently seemed quite fool hearty. Kaitlyn had traded the weight of the armor for speed and endurance, hoping the group could avoid or out maneuver the dark spawn. But Thea was large enough that ridding pillion wasn’t an option. On top of that, the mage wouldn’t stand a chance steering, yet alone staying seated on a galloping horse. No, it was clear there was only one option. Hopefully the beasts would be able to get away and, if trio were lucky and the horses weren’t, draw away some of the threat.
Wendell tried to help Thea off her mount as Kaitlyn unhooked the shield from her back and drew her sword. 

The trios ability to survive the next few minutes depended less on their ability and more on luck. Even a trained Grey Warden could be easily overwhelmed by a large group of darkspawn. Thea announced direction of the upcoming attack and Kaitlyn swiveled towards their left. The templar’s brown eyes searched hurried through the tangled web of branches but try as she might, she couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Every breath felt forced in Kaitlyn’s lungs as her grip on the hilt of her blade felt slippery.

[i]” If they've driven off the wildlife, there are at least ten of them… Don’t panic.”[/i]

“I’m not,” Kaitlyn growled out, her voice sounding more sure than she really was. As for the rest of the mage’s comments, she ignored them. Now wasn’t the time to argue. “Do what you think is best.”

Suddenly an arrow flew, hurdling through the air towards the mage. Thea managed to cast a shield just in the nick of time, creating a shimmering aura around her. Kaitlyn did not wait for the second attack. With a blood curdling scream, she raised her shield, pulled her visor down, and rushed towards an oncoming Hurlock. The two of them clashed with a sickening thud as metal scrapped against bone. Within seconds the monster had fallen to the ground, choking on its own vile blood. Several more darkspawn took its place, maneuvering around Kaitlyn in an effort to flank her. The smell of rot and fresh blood filled her nose as the creatures closed in. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Wendell, clothed in only his Tranquil robes, struggling against a broad-shouldered Genlock.