Re: Part 59f - Fortress
The man who takes the sword, nods, "Aye, I'll look after 'er." Gripping the weapon by sheath and hilt, he draws it part way, exposing about a foot of blade, and peering at it critically.
"Fine blade, an' a nice weight an' balance, too." Then he slips Fangmir back into the sheath, and looks at the hilt, "See'd some use, as well, eh?"
He gestures to James then, indicating that he should move on, then walks besides the Amberite. "I reckon they've decided ter escort visitors in terday, rather than keep folk who might be royalty, or summat, standin' 'bout in the rain. An' even if yer just a messenger yerself, I don't think they fancy draggin' a Lord of Amber out ter see yer in this weather. So we got instructions ter bring anyone who wants ter see 'im in, an' 'and 'em over ter the guards what came with 'im."
"This way."
The passage runs straight, but only for a short distance, before it opens out into a courtyard, with a short walk to another gate. One of the escorts runs ahead a little, and speaks into a small hatch in the gate. By the time James gets there with the rest of the men, the gate itself is aready swinging open.
Beyond, there is another yard, and the keep itself, towering dark and forbidding.
"We'll be out this mess in a moment, Sir." the escort assures James, as they climb the rain-soaked steps to the drawbridge which guards the keep entrance.
"If'n yer don't mind me askin', Sir, where did yer get this blade? Only my ol' dad were a bladesmith, an' 'e made the finest swords in the city, afore 'is eyes started ter go. Taught me a thing or two, 'e did, an' I see'd some fine swords... but this'n's a bit special. Not fancy, like some of 'em nobs carry, but made ter be used, I reckon."