The dawn was cold and dark. Thalien stirred first, freeing himself from his bed roll and watching as his breath formed a mist in front of his face. Grumbling, the half-breton gathered up his gear and started preparing to move. Breakfast could be had on the road and besides, the earlier they reached the pass, the sooner they would be in Skyrim.
Movement beside him drew his attention- Var'Hess was approaching, rubbing furred hands together as he did so. "This one noted no problems during his watch. If anyone is out here with us, they are keeping their distance."
Thalien nodded, acknowledging the report, then gestured to both the khajiit and Joren. "Rouse the others. We've a long march ahead of us, and no time to waste." The pair complied, shaking or nudging the rest of the mercenaries awake. "We've a few hours march ahead of us. Keep up, and take in what provisions you can. If all goes to plan, we'll resupply in Falkreath."
Without another word, the mercenary pulled his hood up and started leading the company onwards. The outpost and the twin towers became visible, even as a light snowfall was released from the clouds above. What little sunlight managed to penetrate the trees was weak and provided little warmth.
It was another hour of marching before the mercenaries reached the gates of the outpost. Half a dozen imperial legionnaires, in heavy armour and warm cloaks stood infront of it. A pair of archers patrolled the wall above, and the lookouts in the towers, who'd doubtlessly spotted their approach kilometres away, peered down to satisfy their curiosity.
"Hold there." One of the soldiers on the ground called, sounding bored but authorative. A marking on his helmet identified him as an officer of some sorts. "You don't look like traders, and you're certainly not soldiers. What's your business at the Pale Pass?"
"We're mercenaries, commissioned by the archon of Bruma himself. Traveling through Skyrim to reach High Rock, and put an end to the rebellion there."
"Mercenaries, eh?" The officer peered past Thalien, scratching at a couple weeks growth of beard. "Well you sure aren't the first to come through. I reckon you won't be the last, either." He turned to look up at a soldier on the wall, "open the gates!"
With a thunderous clunk, the heavy bars on the inside of the outpost were moved aside, and the gates swung inwards on well oiled hinges. "Right. Straight on through to the pass. It's a few hours march to Falkreath hold from here." The officer said, pointing.
Thalien nodded his thanks and lead the group on through. Past the gates was a small courtyard, with utilitarian buildings on either side. Most likely barracks or storage areas. A stable stood against the far wall. A few soldiers paused to look at them, but didn't linger. Opposite the gate they'd just passed through was another, also swinging open to allow passage.
Once the entire company was through, the gates slammed shut behind them, and the sound of the heavy locking bars being slid back into place could be heard. In front of them sat the Pale Pass. A narrow, snow covered canyon, dotted with boulders and evergreen trees. Steep walls of stone and ice stood to either side. Thalien made sure his sword was loose in its' scabbard, and lead the company onwards.