Spheres of influence

'They are really an organized unit of the military,' Layn noticed dully after just a single moment of watching how quickly the entire camp was stirred into action. Or rather, how little time everyone in there needed to get ready for the departure. 

Before long, one of Castor's soldiers brought Layn a horse only to push the reins to the archmage's hand and go back to his own duties. With nothing better to do, Layn jumped atop the mount before looking around to assess the situation. 

The camp itself wasn't big at all. From his slightly elevated position, Layn could see only about fifty tents. Given how only two or three people could fit in each, it was pretty easy to guess the strenght of the entire unit.

"Tell me, why are we in such a hurry?" Layn asked as soon as Castor returned to his vincity. "If it's dead, it's dead," he added, trying to explain his doubts.