Mighty Hammer Down

by David J Guyton

When they finally arrived in Taburdum they were greeted with cold stares. Rommus figured that it was because of his makeshift black shirt, but he thought it might have been the person wearing it. Alana marveled at the sights of the city as he guided her to its center. She asked questions every few minutes and he did his best to answer them.

  "What's that big building up there above the rest?"

  "That's the Great Library. All the cities have records, but that is where all the copies are kept from all the cities in Medora. There are books on every subject, and anyone can go in and study them."

  "Aren't there books that people aren't allowed to see?"

  "Well, I'm sure there are, but they would probably keep them somewhere besides this library. There are plenty of places that are better hiding places."

  "That's the biggest building here. I don't see any temples like I saw in Brinn."

  "Oh there are temples here too, but Taburdum is more like a center for knowledge, not worship. Brinn isn't exactly a center for worship either, but many people come from all over Medora to visit Brinn, so they have to have everything there."

  "And people come here for this library?" she asked as she stared at the giant building that was blurry in the hazy distance.

  "Well, that building is the Great Library, but there are probably 50 more libraries here where people can study. But yes, for the most part, there is nothing really interesting here unless you are looking for knowledge."

  "Are we going to stop there?" she asked.

  "I don't see a reason to go there, but if you really want we can stop by before we leave."

  "Why did they build this city so close to Brinn?"

  "They didn't. Taburdum was the old capital hundreds of years ago, but it is not big enough to serve as one anymore. Instead of going to all the trouble to clear away these mountains-I mean hills--they just started a new capital nearby. Since then they have converted Taburdum into a city of records mostly, but you'll still find all the same things here that you would in any city in Medora."

  "So where are you taking us?"

  He pointed to a nearby building with red banners snapping in the wind. "There, the city's armory. I am hoping that there is someone there I know and that we can get some help. But I think it's best that you stay outside for now."

  The guards moved aside as he got to the top of the steps and entered the building. Inside more guards looked him over but paid him no further attention. The fact that he was armed didn't really matter to them since he was the son of Tannis Tirinius. He followed the red carpeting across a large room to a door flanked by two more guards. Before he got to the door, one of them went inside for a moment and then came back out and returned to his post.

  "You may enter," the guard said as he approached.

  Rommus pushed open the heavy wooden door and went inside. A man sat behind a desk that was covered in papers and books and a large map. It was a familiar face.

  "Commander Soterus, it's good to see you again."

  The man finished writing on one of the papers before he looked up. "Rommus, where have you been? Your father asked each Legion's Commander to come to you for weapons to arm a team of assassins. No one could find you"

  "Assassins from each Legion? Why would you need so many of them? That must be almost 100 people."

  "You'll have to ask your father that, Tirinius. I am busy planning to ride to war. What is it you have come here for?"

  "War? What are you talking about? We're going to war?"

  "20,000 of us are, and another 20,000 will ride behind us. I am here to gather troops and then we ride to aid the Vindyri in their war against the Bhoors. We ride before midday today."

  "This is all news to me. Send a rider to my father and tell him that he is free to take whatever weapons he needs from my forge, but I don't think there's nearly enough to arm that many men. Maybe half of them."

  "I will do that. Now what brings you here?"

  "Well I had a run-in with some Mages and I am in need of a shirt, a scabbard to fit this sword and some food if it can be spared." He pulled the sword free and laid it gently on the desk in front of him.

  "Oh my," said Soterus, finally paying attention to something besides his paperwork, "look at that." He reached out and touched the flat side of the blade to inspect the magnificent weapon. "You made this?"

  "No, I can't take credit for this one. I took it from the Mages. Do you have a scabbard that will fit it?"

  Soterus stared at the weapon in wonder and only answered when Rommus cleared his throat to get his attention. "Yes, yes I think so. I have one here that you made to match one of your swords I have. It has gold trimmings so it would even compliment this weapon."

  "I don't need anything fancy, just something to keep me from cutting myself."

  "No, no, I insist. Such a sword must have a beautiful scabbard, and I have others. Besides, if you have not seen your father then he has not paid you your 20 gold pieces, and I assume you are not returning to Brinn if you requested a rider be sent there. I will put it on the books as part of the payment. May I hold it?"

  Rommus looked at the man touching his sword. He was uncomfortable with the idea, but he trusted the man. "Yes you can hold it."

  Soterus held the sword in his hand and turned it in the light coming from the open windows. His face was frozen in a smile as he walked to the cabinet where weapons were kept. He held up a few of the swords inside to compare sizes and pulled out the one he wanted. He slipped the sword from the scabbard and gently replaced it with the golden blade. He walked back over to Rommus, staring at the hilt the entire time. He held it out to Rommus and he took it from him.

  "Rommus you must make me a sword like this. I will pay almost any amount. Perhaps you're willing to sell me this one?"

  "I don't think I can bring myself to part with this one, but I promise if I discover how it is made, I will make you one?for slightly more than a reasonable price."

  Soterus smiled up at him. "Good enough. What else did you say you needed?"

  "I need a shirt and some food if you can spare any. Oh and another sword, but nothing fancy."

  "Of course you can have one of the soldier's tunics. I hope a dark red is okay. As for the food, we are busy here and no one is preparing any food, but I will pay you some of what your father was going to pay you so that you can buy your own. You can have one of the swords from this cabinet, but not the ones with the gold. Those are my favorites." He opened the drawer and pulled out a gold coin and few silver coins and handed them to Rommus.

  "Thank you Commander Soterus. Your help is greatly appreciated."

  "Certainly Rommus, just remember your promise. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

  Rommus pulled one of the swords from the Commander's cabinet. It was one he had made a few years earlier. "No, I think that's all. Oh, tell the rider to tell my father that I had trouble with Mages, but I am unharmed. I won't be returning to Brinn for a while."

  "Certainly Rommus. I will send one right away."

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