The Warder by DK Williamson

Author:DK Williamson [Williamson, DK]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Deadeye Fiction Manufactory
Published: 2018-04-18T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Dech walked alongside Mackillop as they made decent time. The suit that held the gnome maintained a steady pace and the warder matched his gait to the suit’s, Ridan and Otto trailing behind.

Ahead Dech saw a small horse with mounted rider at the side of the road. Drawing closer he recognized the rider as Dissy. Sitting astride a pony, one of the highland breeds, she straightened and smiled as she recognized him as well.

Wearing the form-fitted leather vest of duelists over a loose long sleeved shirt with her forearms covered in leather vambraces, she had obviously added to her wardrobe since parting. Her sword was at her left hip, bow on her back, and on her right wrist dangled a thumb ring made of horn for aiding in her style of archery draw.

“I’ve been trying to catch you all day,” she said as they drew near. “Quite the meandering course you took. Off on a monster hunt they said. I thought you might pass this way. I was considering going to the Fortress if you didn’t show.”

“We aren’t headed there.”

“Lucky for me we met. Who is your large friend, or is this the monster?”

“He’s both. A gnome named Mackillop.”

“Humor?” she asked with a shrug. “You used to tell better jokes, but keep practicing, maybe it will come back to you.”

“He’s not jesting,” Mackillop said.

Dissy leaned closer to the construct and shook her head. “The order must be quite different than I was led to believe. Are gnomes in contrivances such as that common?”

“I am not in the order,” the gnome said indignantly.

“Ah, that restores my faith in such institutions,” she said shifting her eyes to Dech. “Another stray you’re helping along the way.”

Dech nodded. “You still have your limbs, head, and all your clothes,” he said reaching into his belt pouch. “Even a horse. The only thing missing is your pendant.” He took the few steps needed to hand her the object he’d kept for her.

“I told you I’d be back,” she said pulling the chain over her head.

“And that is why I kept your pendant handy.”

“It’s now one of my three prized possessions,” she said placing a hand on her sword.

Dech noticed her mount didn’t seemed bothered by Mackillop’s suit. Highland ponies, while not terribly swift or fierce, were known for their durability, endurance, and especially their calm demeanor.

“Where are we headed?” Diz asked.

“Cashel Abbey. Our gnome friend here needs some special assistance. It’s not far past the Fortress.”

Pointing at Mackillop, she asked, “Is he why your horses trail so far behind?”

“I’m not sure if it’s him or the suit,” Dech replied.

“Ah, to find the one order knight with a gift for jests,” the mage said. “Equines are notoriously lacking in sense, our new companion’s mount being the exception.”

“So Dech walks weighted in armor to keep you and the horses happy?” Dissy said. “And injured at that?”

“He does,” the gnome said. “He, like your horse, does possess sense. Injured you say?”

Dissy’s gaze shifted to the warder. “Your walk gives you away.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.