Arn did not to rely on his tactical and mage training to let him know what the news entailed.  He had seen this scene played out many times.  It seemed that such news always arrived at the exact moment that soldiers least wanted them.  Why could the not come when everyone was  fired up for battle and in full battle gear?  No they came when men were leisure-ing about.  This meant that the squad leaders and other officers had to gather them like scattered kittens and re focus them into tigers and lions.

The battlemage however, was an old veteran  He knew that one needed to strike hard and strike fast.  That would get the wheels of battle in motion and those who remembered and abided by their training would survive and make the wheel that much more efficient.  He did not even care to listen to the rest of the message as he made his way to were his gear lay.  With an efficient and practiced manner he un hooked  his red tinged battle vest and swung it over his head.  It rested snug as he secured the claps.  His bare arms free of the sleeves that all battlemages wore to signify rank.  This was the reason many confused him with a novice or apprentice.  Few knew that he was actually just below if not a master already.   

Arn verified his Daisho was secured and made his way back.  There was a ripple as the news made its way to the corners of the host gathered on the hill top.  He caught bits of it as he made his way back.  Some from his battalion had seen him gear up and those who had been in battle with him before moved to do the same.  They knew that Arn thought himself as a weapon no different that the blades at his waist.  They also knew that one does not harness a sword unless there is some need for it.  

He got back in time to listen to the last notes of what had been no doubt a rousing speech if the mood of the knights that were now mobilizing was any clue.  He did not care much for such things.  What he did care was what the captain did next.  He efficiently directed his troops.  The smoothness at which his knights operated and carried out his orders was a testament to Tyrhallan’s own leadership style. 

The usually expressionless Arn flared his eyes in amazement.  The knight captain had requested he and the Spider come with him.  Under normal circumstances the battlemage would have respectfully refused as his Lieutenant would have to be the ones giving out the orders.  However, he was intrigued by both these men.  He had seen just a glimpse of their skills in their duel.  Arn wanted to see these skills in the heat of battle. 

This desire was nothing so base as to witness brutal carnage.. As a man who thought of himself as nothing more of a weapon, it would be great to see two masters of the craft wielding theirs.  

Arn shrugged his acknowledgement of the request/order from the silver haired knight.  “Very well, if I can be of assistance I will follow you.” His tone did not betray his inner musings.  He partly turned to a younger battle mage who had approached him after he had seen Arn gear up.  “Tobi, please let the Captain know that I will be accompanying Knight Captain Tyrhallan on….on second thought, tell him you have not seen me if he asks.”  The younger battlemage gave him a smirk.  Arn shook his head as if denying the unspoken thoughts in the young one’s mind.  “I just don’t see the point of both of us getting a lecture prior to the battle. I will deal with the aftermath when I return.”

With that the young one took off at a trot towards the line of gear where the rest of the battlemages had now gathered to don on gear.  Arn followed the young figure for a second or two and then turned to both knights.  “I am at your disposal and am ready to depart as you wish.”