[i][h3][b][color=1CE678]Kean Jossun[/color][/b][/h3][/i][hr]Kean hadn’t dismounted as the Templar ordered, part born from petulance, but mainly due to his extreme exhaustion; it had been almost three days now since he’d slept, so in that moment you may as well have asked him to clear a mountain with a single bound – it wasn’t happening. As a result, whilst he was peering at whatever the shadowy beast could have been, he was almost thrown from his horse. Its crest struck him in the chin. His body lolled. His neck snapped back dangerously fast. Yet his thighs gripped the beast tightly; having spent more time on horseback the past week than he had on his own two feet, or in a bed, it was second nature. Iron and copper pangs swilled around his mouth. He lurched forward, midsection set ablaze from the effort. Snatching up a handful of mane, he steadied himself, and patted the blue mare’s neck. It bristled but calmed. 

[color=1CE678]“Fuck,”[/color] he muttered, spitting a glob of red into the grass.

All that had happened so quickly, but now the silhouette had stepped into the light, and an abomination was revealed. 

[color=1CE678]“Fuck,”[/color] he said again. The respite of sleep had been so close. 

[color=gold]"Brennen, Kean, secure the horses away from here! The rest of you, get ready. Don't let it get a hold of you, or you're as good as dead."[/color] 

As Kean began dismounting, that thing, the scorned, charged. He hobbled, bow-legged and saddle-sore beyond what he ever thought possible, gathering up the reins of his horse and another's. The whites of their eyes were all too visible. They were well-trained, having not yet bolted, but the whinnying and twitching and ragged breathing belied their disposition. 

"Take them to the other side of the road!" 

Kean stared at Brennen, but, after a moment, nodded mutely. He eased on the reigns, slowly adding more strength as the horses came with him. 

Looking back over his shoulder, he saw the Fae ascend heavenwards. He turned, his step quickening as he pulled the horses further. The sigh of loosed bolts was unmistakeable behind him. 

[color=1CE678]“Fuck.”[/color]