The watchtower of Faltamilde was a burly fortress keep situated on a great hillock that oversaw countless miles in every direction. Markus had climbed the tower many times, and he fancied he could even see the Mountains of Mist four hundred miles away, if the skies were clear in springtime. He was not here to sight-see this time, nor did he feel like he would for a long time if what his commander was telling him was to be believed. 

"Commander Ogdar, I am not the man for this. Please, send Fuldin, Haukdorn, light! Even Ingmak!" Markus begged fervently. He wasn't normally this impassioned over an order. In fact, he usually followed orders without a word, and if he ever had something to say, he was listened to for that fact. But Ogdar wasn't hearing it. Some of the Old Guard called him Ogdar One-Eye rather than commander. The old soldier had the use of both of his eyes, but a trolloc had cut at one and left a mild scar, and he was known for his single-minded stubbornness. He only had the focus for "one eye's worth" now, though no one said that to his face. He had forty years of service under his belt, and half of that was as commanding officer. 

The squat, muscled warrior hit the arm of his chair, threatening to break it. Markus could see the white of his teeth past his grey beard as he spoke. "Question me again, boy, and you'll not live to regret it! Never have you been so bloody obstinate, don't start now!" He roared in a tone that could shatter stone if it dared stand before him in defiance. Markus watched him, and he felt all eyes of the guard on he or the commander, probably so they could claim that they were there when an experience Outrider was sentenced to stable duty for three months. "The Aes Sedai requests a guide, and since you're the one that felt that small band you found so frightening, you're going to serve the lady. You'll report back to me when she sees fit to release you." 

"When must I leave?" Was all the swordsman could ask, defeated. Only the white of his knuckles betrayed his remaining feelings, gripping his sword hilt tightly. 

"First light. And when you get back, if you get back and pleased the lady, you'll get a promotion. It's been a long time coming, but keep your lips closed and your eyes open. And clean yourself up." Commander Ogdar said, and he laughed when he saw Markus's expression. "Cut that beard and put on a new cloak, and get a clean uniform. Take a bath while you're at it. I'll get Myltoh to draw you one. You'll be entertaining an Aes Sedai and maybe someone more important. Use that Flenbraik charm." 

Markus all but gaped. Not reallt at the order to get cleaned up. He wasn't a brute. But he was surprised Commander Ogdar had heard of his escapades before he made Outrider. When he was on ground patrol before he made the leap to the Dh'aeir'whod, the 'Flenbraik Charm' had been an inside joke amongst a few of his friends. Apparently the tavern girls had taken a fancy to him, looking past a few of his friends to him when he hadn't even given them the time of day. He never did understand why.

Markus could do nothing but salute, and make his way out of the officer's meeting room to get ready with a loathesome tiredness. 
[hr] 

It had been a week since he had first lain eyes on Lysabel Sedai, and now he found her again awaiting him at the northern gate of Barsine. Markus's horse cantered forward in a controlled fashion, rider and horse moving with one mind and spirit. Markus wore a brown jerkin and a black cloak he kept unhooded. He had shaven and even had a small margin of his hair trimmed, showing his fine chin and dark eyes that seemed both cold and striking, and a nose that tied his face together into a daring look. He rode astride an approaching cart that a peddlar drove, giving a smile of crooked teeth to Markus and a tip of his hat to Lysabel as she sent his team of two donkeys past the gates into the city. The multitudes of travelers moved to and from the road, and the light woods outside seemed a small shield to the great blight beyond to Markus's eyes. 

"Lysabel Sedai," Markus said with a polite albeit brusque nod. Aes Sedai or not, she hadn't been dishonest nor overly haughty so far. She deserved at least some respect. "Do we wait for anyone else? Is your big friend joining us?"