laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Alex awoke within the comfortable confines of the confining bed. He stretched feeling the coolness attack his exposed feet which he quickly reclaimed underneath the thick blankets. Cracking and popping from the hearth within the living room echoed through the hallway and into his room as he lay there, staring into the darkness.

'How can I serve these people who have given me their home without asking for anything in return? Is this problem with the giants within my abilities to accomplish?'

Silence permeated the darkness for some time, then a chill coursed through his spine, tingling as it traveled. 'You have the ability and the courage. Be mindful, not all of them are campaigning against the dwarves. Use the wisdom that you've been taught and those things that you've read over the years, their experiences will serve you well.'

'Thank you,' he replied, remembering her glowing, smooth face and bright blue eyes from his visit after the battle of Eaglesham. Rising, he dressed and headed out into the living room as Abbott read from a large tome, sitting on the long couch that fronted the inset, round window that looked out into the garden and short, front yard. "Good morning," he greeted.

Abbott looked up from his book, "Morning, I trust you rested well".

"I did, thank you," his blue eyes gazed over the halfling's head to notice that snow had coated the flowers and fenceposts as well as the ground and trees beyond.

Abbott turned, "It began last night and will probably be our friend for several months," he informed, then turned back around. We've got some extra cloth to wrap your feet in," he motioned to a mahogany trunk that rested in the far corner near the entrance to the kitchen. "Curry was also going to visit us today, he wanted to speak with you."

Alex nodded. "I remember. I'll have to visit with a blacksmith and get a sword and shield made."

"Alright. I can take you to see Gadin afterwards."

* * *

Once breakfast was completed - he was amazed at how often they ate - a knock at the door sent Abbott to answer it and invite in another short man, his head grey with age, who smiled as he entered and walked up to Alexander.

"Greetings, I hadn't had the pleasure to meet you yet, at least not while you were awake. My name's Curry, I'm one of the resident elders and a mage."

"Honor, sir. Alexander of Kecel."

Abbott motioned to the couch as Alexander waited for them both to sit and then he claimed a spot on the carpet and to the right of the hearth. Curry's steel-grey eyes studied him for a moment as Sonja brought the elder a steaming cup of tea, then retreated back into the kitchen.

"I have been told that you served a knight and are a part of an Order that seeks out injustices in the world," Curry began between sips.

"Yes, sir," Alex replied apprehensively, knowing that negotiations with town elders was something that a knight should be doing, not a squire.

Curry nodded. "We've been having troubles from the north that I believe that you can help with. I've been told that most of the giants campaign to the south against the Stormfist clan of dwarves, so they're caves should only contain their females and young, but dangerous in their own right. This evil can't be allowed to continue as we have served alongside humans from Ashton in the last war. Many now give their lives for those faraway towns while our homes are in danger."

"My champion told me this morning that not all the giants have left their caves and I will have what I need to help you."

Their brows furrowed in unison as Abbott glanced to the older mage. "I see. Well, that's good news. We'll get you outfitted and I'll assemble a few to go with us when you're ready," Curry informed as he finished his tea, smiling. "I'm happy that She's guided you to us, Alexander."

* * *

He walked down the hill, through the thickening snow and they finally reached the smithy that occupied one of the main buildings in the center of town. Clanging of steel reminded him of Drystan at the cathedral which brought a smile to his face.

"Gadin," Abbott called as they walked underneath the rectangular awning that fronted the river side of the home and shop.

"Yeah," the equally mature voice replied as the thinner smith straightened from beneath his anvil and looked their way.

"I take it that Curry notified you of our order."

Woolen shirt dirty underneath the leather apron, the smith smiled. "Did you think that my memory is going as fast as yours, cousin?"

"Don't start."

Alex smiled as he noticed the hot fire glowing from within the forge as he ducked a crossbeam.

"Yes, I'm working on the shield now." His cold blue eyes gazed upward. "So, you're the warrior, huh?"

Alex smiled, his sparse beard darkening his young face.

"What kind of sword do you prefer?"

"Longsword is fine. Something that isn't too heavy."

Gaden nodded. "Easy enough. I'm making a round shield, I hope that's alright."

"That's fine."

"These should be done within two weeks," he eyed Abbott. "So, don't come around here aggravating me before then, got it?" He smiled as he wiped his hands in a grey towel.

"No problem, this place stinks too much anyway."

"That's because I work for a living."

Abbott laughed as Alex smiled. "Alright, we'll leave you to it. Tell Bria I said hello."

"I will."

Alexander followed Abbott back out into the less busy marketplace as he led the young squire into the tavern, now bustling with activity, dancing and music that permeated the wooden and stone walls of the long room. All eyes watched as Alex sat across from his host on the long bench seat. He enjoyed their lively cavorting as a waitress walked up, her buxom body spilled from the tight bodice and he realized that all females within this line of business enjoyed advertising.

"What can I get you," she asked.

"Ale," Abbott stated, motioning to Alex also.

"Water for me," he ordered which garnered furrowed brows from both.

She laughed, "As you wish, darling".

"I take it your vows keep you from drinking also?" Abbott queried as she headed to the bar.

"Correct. It keeps the mind clear at all times and body healthy," he informed matter-of-factly.

His brow raised as lips drooped on both ends. "Okay," he backed, shrugging. "More for me."

Alex watched as men danced with one another, singing on the tabletops as they grabbed one of the barmaids and yanked her up with them. These people seemed to be totally oblivious to the dangers that lurked not many miles from their borders. He only hoped that evil remained distant.

* * *

For the next two weeks, he ran, lifted, helped around the town with various chores and excercised as if he were at the compound. Keeping himself in shape, he also noticed the thin beard while washing the morning they were going to Gadin's for the weapon and shield. Lining his jaw and around his lip, the dark hairs announced his entry into manhood. Thirteen and he already needed a shave.

He dried his face and rose, keeping in mind the low ceiling as a knock at the front door alerted him to visitors. Abbott moved to answer it as Alex pulled his shirt on and then jacket as he heard voices within the living room. Once ready, he walked out into the large room, ducking through the doorway to see Curry and Gadin standing with Abbott. His eyes caught sight of the round shield as the smith held it out to him.

"Try that on for size," the proud smith invited. Alex accepted it, smiling as he studied the handiwork.

"This is great," he stated as he shouldered it, sliding his arm into the two leather straps, then moved with it. Leather backed and steel rimmed, the shield was light in comparison to its thickness. "You're a master craftsman, sir."

"I know," Gadin smiled, then handed him the sheathed longsword. Within the leather sheath and belt, the sword, black handled with tiny metal rings sewn into it, sang from it's container as he pulled it out, studying the light that danced along its length. Two ridges bordered the long, thin blood groove. "I call it 'Giant Slayer'," Gadin announced. "Hopefully you won't let me down when you return with stories of your victory."

Alexander glanced to the overzealous halfling. He couldn't assure anything right now. "I'll do my best."

"No, we'll do our best," Curry corrected. "I and several others are going with you. You'd never find their caves without us."