If you're new to this story start here.
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Igfred and Armaros left the Resting Draxor at the crack of dawn, breaking their fast as they walked. They wore just light armour for speed and mobility. The journey would have been much quicker if they could ride, but the majority of horses had been commandeered for the war effort and would likely be in short supply for some time.
They made quite an odd pair, Armaros with his mammoth size, pale skin, golden, wavy hair and full beard next to the wiry, athletic Igfred his straight, jet black hair tied back off a hair free face with a striking burnt umber complection. Scorhnians have an innate ability for magic craft and Igfred was no exception. They speculated as to whether it was this ability that was connecting with the magic imbued into the sword. Yet there had been tales of weapons choosing their weilders for centuries and the warriors from those stories often possessed no apparent magic ability.
Igfred had been itching to try out Elderfine a bit more so once they reached less travelled paths and more wooded areas he took it out and began to thrust, swing and slash while leading the way, trimming the vegetation and jesting that it would benefit Armaros with his wide girth. He in turn was growing mildly concerned about that now familiar glow which didn't seem to be abating no matter how long the sword was out.
"Is that sword ever going to stop glowing?" Armaros grumbled. "I know I'm not exactly inconspicuous, but there's no being stealthy with that acting like a beacon."
Igfred stopped, sheepishly realising this hadn't even dawned on him. However, the moment he did realise how problematic this could be the glow immediately stopped leaving it looking like a normal runic sword. His expression went from briefly surprised to thoughtful then the runes faded from the sword leaving the appearance of a plain steel blade. His eyebrows raised slightly, he held it up examing it thoughtfully and the blade got duller and more worn looking with rust patches. Armaros looked on with consternation.
"Did it just die?" genuine concern could be heard in his voice.
"No, I think it's a glamour. I can still feel her connection."
"Her?"
Igfred smiled,
"She definitely feels like a lady."
Elderfine gave a gentle, green pulse as if to confirm, even while still looking like she'd just been pulled out of the bottom of a hedge. They continued on their way with the sword retaining this appearance and Igfred continuing to wield her for a little while longer with no apparent diminishment in her abilities.
Before the sun started setting they decided to make camp by a stream they came across, which had some fish in a section where it pooled for a bit before trickling on its merry way again. They managed to catch a couple of the larger fish which were just about eating size and entertained themselves toasting them on a campfire. Then they settled down for the night, swords unsheathed by their sides just in case.
The night passed uneventfully, as did the following day and night, which disappointed Armaros because he'd at least hoped for a boar to charge them so they could have a good meal. It wasn't until later in the third day that Igfred sensed they were being watched. He became aware of it sooner than he normally might with Elderfine heightening his perceptions. He let Armaros know and they continued walking as they had been, making mundane conversation. The first watcher was gradually joined by others and they began to be flanked on both sides. Up ahead there were others gathered at a small clearing which was barely more than a widening of the trail. Armaros pulled out twin knives and Igfred unsheathed Elderfine as they stepped towards the clearing. Then Armaros spun to face those coming from behind keeping them restricted to the trail by the trees and undergrowth that surrounded. Igfred stepped only far enough into the clearing to be able to wield his sword. As the foes moved towards him elderfine flared her green light like never before, dazzling their opponents and allowing him to cut the nearest one down immediately. The others hurriedly stepped back shielding their eyes.
With Armaros protecting his back and Elderfine his front, Igfred was debating whether to move forward to take out the ones in the clearing and risk exposing himself more when he sensed danger to the left and instinctively dropped low while turning and thrusting up. The hapless attacker, already off balance from missing with his strike, was impaled on the sword. On the narrow path Armaros was agressively fending off an enemy in front of him and one to his right who was attempting to find openings between the trees. He was impressively fast and agile for his size, his knives almost a blur as he fought.
With Elderfine's dazzling effects suddenly lifted the remaining two aggressors in the clearing quickly moved in to attack again while their target's weapon was otherwise engaged. Igfred moved their impaled comrade around to shield himself as he tried to remove his sword. For a fraction of a second he felt the expected resistance, then Elderfine blazed into a fury and slid out like a hot knife in butter. He pushed his victim into the oncoming attackers sending them momentarily off balance giving himself enough of an opening to slice open the arm of one which gave the other enough time to turn tail a flee into the trees. Clutching his injured arm the other also decided that would be the best course of action and made a hasty exit. Armaros had finished off one of his own foes and the one to the side had fled after receiving a minor injury and seeing how everything else was unfolding.
Up in a tree the original watcher was observing events unfolding. Sharp eyes watched the friends now scan the vicinity for any further threat, clean their weapons, then examine their fallen adversaries. The huge Frigarian broke any weapons they found, except for a boot knife that he seemed to decide was of good enough quality to take for himself. When it became apparent that the Scohrnian was aware that they were being observed the watcher quietly withdrew.
By the 6th day they'd emerged from the woodland without further harrassment, although they had occasionally sensed the watcher again. Within a few more hours they reached the more travelled paths and were able to get good meals and sleep on beds at night for the rest of the journey to Korma.
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