Zebulun sat on a huge black stallion. He held the reins of a mule, laden with supplies, and that of a white mare.
Davion met him outside the eastern gate. He rode a brown gelding. He led a donkey, laden with his own supplies, and a brown-and-white pony.
"Hello, Zebulun," he said. "Who is the extra horse for?"
"Brother Mark," said Zebulun. "He agreed to say a prayer for the fallen at the battle site. The marshal gave me leave to take a handful of my men there to witness. We’ll meet them at the crossroads."
Zebulun nodded at the pony. "What’s that for?"
"Quinn," said Davion. "After he woke up and ate two breakfasts, I told him of our plan to visit Eastwood. He insisted on coming with us. He said he can’t pass up the chance to meet mysterious haunted forest people." Davion paused. "And he insisted on a pony."
Amusement crept into Zebulun’s eyes. "Fine," he said. "I hope he can handle roughing it with soldiers."
"I hope I can," said Davion. "I’ve rarely left the city."
Some time passed before Quinn arrived. "Sorry I’m late!" he chirped.
"It’s unlike you," said Davion, without a hint of sarcasm. "I was beginning to grow concerned."
Quinn snorted and grinned. "Yeah… I know." He shrugged. Then he spotted the pony, and his face lit up. "For me?"
"Yes, Quinn," said Davion, handing him the reins.
"I guess I need to learn how to ride a pony real quick," said Quinn, as he vaulted into the saddle. "What’s his name?"
"He’s a she," said Davion. "and she doesn’t have one. I just acquired her yesterday, per your previous request."
"I’m gonna call her 'Friendship'," said Quinn, hugging the pony’s neck. "What about the others?"
"My horse is Ganymedes," said Davion.
"And the burro?"
"I just acquired him as well."
Quinn smirked. "Let’s call him Zeke!"
Quinn turned to Zebulun. "What about your ponies?"
Zebulun patted his stallion’s neck. "This is Othniel." He nodded toward the mule. "That’s Samson." He nodded toward the mare. "That’s Lyla."
Quinn smiled. "Those are great names!"
Brother Mark arrived in short order. Quinn made sure he knew the names of all five animals.
They met Zebulun’s men at the crossroads, twenty in all. He introduced his lieutenants: William, David, Elijah, Jon, and Dan. They headed east on the long road towards the forest.