Disclaimer: All characters (except Tarn), spells, and concepts are copyright and property of Wizards of the Coast. No infringment is intended.

Chapter 2: Armor

For several hours after the attack, Tarn and Anaba walked in meditative silence. This was nothing new for Anaba, for speaking was not usually his way. For Tarn however, he just could not think of anything appropriate to say, spending the remainder of the daylight hours pondering his fate

As the eve broke, there was an unspoken yet mutual understanding between the two traveling companions that they should begin looking for a defensible position for the night. Anaba, more familiar with the terrain, soon found such a likely spot; a soft indentation by a high ledge, leering over a narrow pass. To get up to the ledge by any creature means, one first must travel through the pass and with Anaba standing guard, such an effort would be unfounded.

Kneeling down to strike a fire the traditional way, Tarn glanced around and took stock to find that little damage had been done to their wares. There was still enough flat bread, salted meat, and water to ensure their hunger's satisfaction until the more bountiful forests could be reached. Finished with this chore, he unrolled his thing straw bedroll, sat, and began to oil his vest armor yet again.

"I am intrigued about your armor, my minotaur companion," said Anaba without forewarning. Tarn turned to find that Anaba had been peering over his shoulder while he worked. It slightly disturbed Tarn that he was not aware of having been watched, but then again, Anaba was seemingly full of surprises.

"My armor? What about it?" Tarn asked, waiting for Anaba's reply with peaking curiosity.

Anaba shifted slightly by the fire to get a better view of the plain looking leather. "Many times you were struck today by those little stickers the little vermin like to carry, yet you show no wound and your armor shows no wear. I am no fool. If that vest was genuine tempered leather, it would not have been left unscathed."

Tarn smiled knowingly. He was somehow satisfied with the knowledge that he now traveled with an intelligent companion. "Anaba, you're very perceptive. It's true, this armor isn't normal by many standards. It once belonged to the great Urza."

Anaba snorted with disbelief. "Do not attempt to mock me, my companion. I know of Urza's fabled armor and know it to be a magnificent contraption of steel inspired by Tawnos. Not even a fool would willingly believe that his leather vest was that armor! It's preposterous! But if you are unwilling to speak the truth, merely say so, for we are companions on a journey for which I am being paid, nothing more."

"Relax Anaba. I am neither lying nor do I mean any disrespect. When I said that the armor once belonged to Urza, I was speaking only the truth. This leather vest was one of Urza's earlier designs before he met Tawnos and incorporated metal in his designs."

"If this is so, then how is it that such an unproved mage such as yourself has managed to get a hold of it?"

Ignoring the remark that was damned near an insult, Tarn was forced to reveal something of his former life. "You may have heard of my father, Tahngarth, the Talruum Hero of the Weatherlight?"

"From passing stories around the campfire, sure, I have heard something of this legendary heroic minotaur."

"When my father, along with caption Garrard and the rest of the crew of the Weatherlight, battled with the Phyrexians, they were not alone. Urza himself was a long-feared enemy of the Phyrexians. For ten years my father fought side by side with Urza, learning much yet gaining little ground from the Phyrexians. Shortly after a reprieve from the battle began, Urza left for the Academy to study with Rayne, but before he left, he handed my father not a few of his earlier inventions for safe keeping and good use. There were two of these vests in that stash. My father now wears one, while I commandeered the other for this journey. I do not doubt that I would not be here at this very moment had it not been for Urza's generosity."

Somewhat impressed, Anaba reached for the vest as Tarn handed it to him for further scrutiny.

"You spin tall tales, young minotaur, and many years on the road have taught me to be wary of such tales." Anaba pondered momentarily while absently fingering the grooves and creases in the leather, then continued his speech, "Yet I am inclined to believe you. That this vest is of magic origins I cannot dispute, for not only have I seen it in battle, I can feel its rhythm now. Though I am a mere student of Magic myself, I confess that your story has credit."

'For one not inclined to speak on the road, he sure does have a brain for words,' Tarn thought, only half listening to Anaba's debate. Tarn knew he was telling the truth and that was all that mattered.

"Let us speak of your father again soon, young minotaur; I would like to hear more," pressed Anaba with a look in his eyes that could only show a deeper interest than what he would be saying. This look did not escape Tarn as he reached back for his vest and renewed his suspicion of this beast.

Exhausted from the fight and travel of the day, Tarn quickly turned in for the night, making sure that there was enough wood upon the fire for it to burn considerably late into the harsh cold of the nigh. During the night, Tarn only half-awoke once, when the fire was merely embers, and saw in a dream's eye Anaba kneeling in casting position as a blade danced before him. The fog of sleep overcoming his mind, Tarn was sure that this was a dream, and drifted off again, back into the land of nod.

Author's note: I would really appreciate readers to review! I'd love to hear feedback as this is my first fanfic! Thank You! Enjoy. New chapter coming soon.