The staff conjured metal from the innards of the earth and the precious
metals climbed like liquid up around his torso and formed in his hand a
sword of considerable heft, the hilt gilded, the blade cerrated near the
hilt and finely honed to the tip. He had no trouble with the weight of
the armor and weapon. His body had become solid, his bones mixed with ores
from the earth and his muscles swollen and tight like the bands of Minesis.
He approached the city, Varga, and was turned back by the gatekeeper.
"Warriors have no place in Varga. This is a city of commerce, warrior.
There are no weapons allowed into the city. And none for sale here either."
"You will allow me entrance," Fred insisted but the gatekeeper refused and
motioned behind him, leaning towards the broad sword resting against the
wall.
"Calm yourself, gatekeeper," Fred replied, "I bring no trouble today."
"Today?" the gatekeeper asked and rubbed his dirty bald head.
"I'll return, little giant. You've no reason to call for enforcements on
this morning. But if I return again dressed for battle, sir, you will
allow me entrance, with or without the breath to speak of permissions."
"Go now, warrior. I've too much work, and too many are waiting to deal
with your kind. If you return prepared for battle, you'll find it but
until then you will not have entrance to this place."
"You are loyal to your duty, sir and capable, but underestimating your
adversary is a fatal flaw."
"On your horse. I'm done with you. Next!"
The merchants filed in, one by one with their carts and Fred returned to
the spot where he arrived, and reconsidered his approach to Varga.
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6/18/2000 12:07:38 PM
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