The brisk gusts of the chilly winter wind caressed the mounds of serene white snow, creating a delicate, sparkling veil that danced around the sleek, black horses galloping ominously through the wide and desolate snowfield.
Tillian brought his horse to a halt and signaled for the remainder of the survey team to do the same. It was time for a brief respite before they resumed their daily patrol.
Dismounting from his huge black stallion, he unfurled a thin leather bag, and withdrew a metal bottle filled with warm water, downing half of it in one gulp. The Duke's aide observed the act with a shake of his head and uttered with a resounding sigh,
"You are too bold, drinking from a bottle magically altered by that eccentric magus. I'd sooner face a giant beast than let him lay hands on my own food."
Tillian could not help but chuckle at the comment.
