Read Online Trek to Kraggen-Cor by 1932- Dennis L. McKiernan - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: 1932- Dennis L. McKiernan
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limited, were excellent: Cotton was fitted with an armored shirt of gilded chain-mail; though it was light, it would turn aside all but the heaviest blades. This armor had a noble history, for during the Winter War this was the very chain corselet given over to Patrel by Laurelin from the royal armories to wear in the first great battle of the Dimmendark when one of Modru's hordes swept down upon Challerain Keep. Added to the armor was a rune-marked blade about the size and shape of Bane, but which had been forged years agone by the Men of the Lost Land—and a scabbard to hold it. Each of their belts also held a dagger, and both Warrows had chosen simple leather-and-iron helms. 'Round their shoulders they had fitted Elven cloaks which blended so well with any natural background that even the keenest eyes would be deceived if the wearer covered himself and remained still.
As the two buccen had sifted through the museum cases selecting Cotton's apparel, the small silver horn kept turning up in one or the other's hands. And as Perry started to set it aside once more, he paused, laughing, and suddenly changed his mind: "This horn seems bound and determined to go with us, Cotton. Here, let's hang it over your shoulder to rally friend around when faced with the foe."
It was thus that Lord Kian found them upon his return from Woody Hollow. "Ho! What's this? I go away leaving two meek Waerlinga and return to find two warriors abristle with weaponry." He smiled down at the small figures before him, accepting without speaking that Cotton, too, would accompany them to Drimmen-deeve.
Cotton squirmed under the young Man's gaze, uncomfortable in the unfamiliar golden gear, but Perry, in silver, stood proudly straighter and would
have walked about except he feared—and rightly so—that he would end up strutting and preening.
"Well now, soldiers," said Lord Kian, "if I were you I'd doff that gear; it won't be required til we get to the Spawn—at least a thousand miles hence. Instead, you need to select travelling clothes: strong, sturdy, comfortable, warm travelling clothes. And good boots that will walk far and stay dry, and won't chafe your feet and will keep them warm. Remember: although it is just October now, early winter will be upon us ere we get there."
Somewhat abashed, the Warrows took off their armor and weaponry and, under Kian's critical eye, began'selecting garments and other accoutrements necessary for the lengthy trip. They stopped only long enough to eat some of Holly's cold beef, cheese, fresh chewy bread, apples, and beer. After lunch they continued to choose their gear. The former Realmsman proved to be well experienced, for under his direction they selected only that which was essential for the journey. At last each Warrow had assembled the needed clothing and other travelling gear, all of it stowed in an easily manageable backpack topped off with a warm bedroll.
Late that afternoon, Borin and Anval returned, driving a small waggon drawn by a fine team of sturdy horses. The waggon had been crafted by Men of Dael, and had been chosen by Kian, Anval, and Borin as being more suitable for the journey than the available Dwarf wains, which were ponderous, made for hauling large loads of heavy cargo. The four-wheeler from Dael was made of ash wood, light but durable. There was room for two on the driver's seat, which was well padded and had a low back for support. The freight bed was short, with wooden sides and front, and had a hinged tailgate fastened with metal latches. The waggon was painted a deep red.
The Warrow wheelwright of Budgens, Ned Proudhand, had done a first-rate job on the wheel—replacing the iron rim and broken spoke, and regreas-ing not only the hub on the repaired wheel, but all the other hubs and the waggon-tongue pivot and the whiffletrees as well. He had painted the new spoke red to match the others. For this fine craftwork and conscientiousness, Anval grudgingly paid Ned with a tiny golden
As the two buccen had sifted through the museum cases selecting Cotton's apparel, the small silver horn kept turning up in one or the other's hands. And as Perry started to set it aside once more, he paused, laughing, and suddenly changed his mind: "This horn seems bound and determined to go with us, Cotton. Here, let's hang it over your shoulder to rally friend around when faced with the foe."
It was thus that Lord Kian found them upon his return from Woody Hollow. "Ho! What's this? I go away leaving two meek Waerlinga and return to find two warriors abristle with weaponry." He smiled down at the small figures before him, accepting without speaking that Cotton, too, would accompany them to Drimmen-deeve.
Cotton squirmed under the young Man's gaze, uncomfortable in the unfamiliar golden gear, but Perry, in silver, stood proudly straighter and would
have walked about except he feared—and rightly so—that he would end up strutting and preening.
"Well now, soldiers," said Lord Kian, "if I were you I'd doff that gear; it won't be required til we get to the Spawn—at least a thousand miles hence. Instead, you need to select travelling clothes: strong, sturdy, comfortable, warm travelling clothes. And good boots that will walk far and stay dry, and won't chafe your feet and will keep them warm. Remember: although it is just October now, early winter will be upon us ere we get there."
Somewhat abashed, the Warrows took off their armor and weaponry and, under Kian's critical eye, began'selecting garments and other accoutrements necessary for the lengthy trip. They stopped only long enough to eat some of Holly's cold beef, cheese, fresh chewy bread, apples, and beer. After lunch they continued to choose their gear. The former Realmsman proved to be well experienced, for under his direction they selected only that which was essential for the journey. At last each Warrow had assembled the needed clothing and other travelling gear, all of it stowed in an easily manageable backpack topped off with a warm bedroll.
Late that afternoon, Borin and Anval returned, driving a small waggon drawn by a fine team of sturdy horses. The waggon had been crafted by Men of Dael, and had been chosen by Kian, Anval, and Borin as being more suitable for the journey than the available Dwarf wains, which were ponderous, made for hauling large loads of heavy cargo. The four-wheeler from Dael was made of ash wood, light but durable. There was room for two on the driver's seat, which was well padded and had a low back for support. The freight bed was short, with wooden sides and front, and had a hinged tailgate fastened with metal latches. The waggon was painted a deep red.
The Warrow wheelwright of Budgens, Ned Proudhand, had done a first-rate job on the wheel—replacing the iron rim and broken spoke, and regreas-ing not only the hub on the repaired wheel, but all the other hubs and the waggon-tongue pivot and the whiffletrees as well. He had painted the new spoke red to match the others. For this fine craftwork and conscientiousness, Anval grudgingly paid Ned with a tiny golden
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