Heh, I lied when I said the next chapter would be up shortly, didn't I? :) Sorry 'bout that. Here you are... the next chapter. Finally. (I'm very happy to have found some time to get back to this!)
XI
Roken looked out from inside the Abbey through one of it's many windows in Great Hall at the gray clouds obscuring the sky. A dull drizzle was falling. It was the kind of rain that was light enough to be pleasant, but heavy enough to prevent normal activities from being performed outside. Roken was already in a glum mood due to being apprehensive of leaving the Abbey, and the rain only intensified the feeling of hesitation, until tears came to his eyes. Andrew, Wintergreen, Nikki, Sean, Joan, and Luther were all together with Roken in Great Hall, preparing to set out. Andrew, the self appointed leader, spoke to them.
"Well everybeast, as you know, we will be heading out very shortly. Our first task, is to locate Log-a-log of the Guosim, and pass on the information. We will take the north path, and follow it until we reach the ford where the great river crosses the dirt road. From there, we will hug the river's path and pursue it eastward for a day's march. By then, we should reach the Guosim's camp. After that, we will continue east until we reach the edge of the sea. According to Faulk, the Skipper of otters along with his crew, are spending some time there visiting their sea-fairing kin. This will be an easy way to alert Salamandastron. One half or so of their group can continue south, straight for the dead volcano, while the rest come and add some protection to the Abbey. Faulk, as I requested, has prepared a note for the otters, recommending they come. I've got it with me, so it's sure not to get lost." A few eyes rolled, and some sighs were heard at the comical remark. Andrew continued without missing a beat.
"Not everybeast seems to be completely prepared for travel. Weapons and armor have been gathered in Cavern Hole for us, so we should go down there and equip ourselves." Roken inhaled sharply. The realization had for the first time struck him that he might have to fight. He immediately began to panic as he thought of himself trying to attack another living, breathing creature. He made an oath to himself long ago that, unless it was desperately needed, he would never harm anybeast. He snapped back to attention as he noticed the others were following Andrew down into Cavern Hole. With a startled jump, he then began to follow suit. As he entered Cavern Hole, he saw a great table littered with various kinds of swords, daggers, lances, spears, bows, and other weapons, along with helmets, tunics, sturdy gloves and boots, and two rusted breastplates. There were also four wooden shields that appeared to have many signs of damage and wear. Two objects stood out amid the mass of jumbled equipment; one, was the great sword of Martin the Warrior. The other was a peculiar large, round shield which featured a gold plated crest on it. The crest contained a script that was unintelligible over it, which read:
"Ith hérüm, nærü groüth
Vàshkïl, ith qüénïkàï sàr"
The text appeared over an image of an eagle with widespread wings holding a spear in it's talons. The rest of the shield looked flawless, and the metal of which it was forged was unidentifiable, but as black as a thousand nights. Roken, entranced by the intricate and beautiful designs on the shield, walked to it, and picked it up. It was heavy, sturdy, and obviously well built. On the back, there were two handles. The first was made to place your forearm through, and the second was one you gripped with your fist. He placed it on his left arm, and moved it around. It weighed a considerable amount, however it felt very comfortable. A smile crept to Roken's face as he admired the wondrous shield. Andrew walked over to him.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Roken nodded wordlessly. Andrew looked at the other weapons in disgust. He picked up a short sword, and felt it's weight. He spun it in his paw once, then once again, and tossed it carelessly down back onto the table. "These are poor excuses for swords and spears... the Abbey's resources have not had the need to be replenished in more seasons then I could count. I've warned the Abbess that the day may come when we would need better then these, but... you know how she is." Roken had recently been detecting more and more bitterness from Andrew towards the Abbess, but said nothing of it. He didn't know who's side to take. On one paw, he agreed with Andrew on the fact that the Abbess seemed unwilling to participate in improving the Abbey's defenses. But, on the other paw, he felt as if Andrew was becoming bloodthirsty. He tried changing the subject.
"What are these strange markings on the shield's front?" Andrew turned from observing a cracked spear, and faced Roken and the shield.
"I cannot tell, nor can anybeast else. The shields origin's are shrouded in mystery... It's believed that it was found washed up on the great western beach. We can only guess where it's homeland lays. It's interesting though, isn't it? The script looks as if it's a modified version of our own." Roken's brow furrowed in confusion.
"How did none of the metal erode from the salt water?" Andrew shrugged expressing his bewilderment.
"I have no idea. It holds no sign of wear, nor scratch or dent anywhere on it. It's flawless..." Andrew noticed how it fitted perfectly on Roken. He smiled as he continued. "Why don't you take it with you? You and it seem a perfect match." Roken also smiled, but it quickly disappeared.
"Oh, no, I shouldn't, --I mean, it's the Abbey's, right? I can't... can I?" Andrew chuckled and patted Roken on his shoulder.
"Sure you can. ...what about your mandolin? I don't suppose you will be entertaining everybeast else on our journey, now will you? I'm sure Wintergreen would appreciate it," Roken looked off into the distance for a moment as he thought of serenading the young squirrel maiden, but then his eyes met the floor.
"No... I mustn't risk it." Andrew nodded in an understanding way. A musician and their instrument are connected in a bond that cannot be broken, much the way a warrior is with his sword. If he could prevent it from being harmed, he would. Taking it with him would be an unnecessary risk.
"I know. C'mon... select a short sword for yourself. You can't go out with only a shield, you know." It seemed as though Andrew had read Roken's mind. The young squirrel sighed, shrugged his shoulders and apprehensively picked up a rusted sword.
"Hmm... is this any good?" Andrew's keen eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the old sword.
"Tsk... hardly, although it just might pierce flesh if you thrust it hard enough." Roken grimaced at the thought. "It should do fine. Here, take this belt and scabbard along with you." He took the belt from Andrew's paw and fitted it about his waist. Next came the scabbard, and then the sword that went into it. Andrew stepped back, and looked Roken up and down. "There! You're lookin' like a warrior, bud! I'll help out the others, and you can go back up to Great Hall." Roken sighed. He wasn't so sure if he wanted to look like a warrior.