RivalGates.com
  • Home
  • News
  • Quest
    • Prologue
    • Chapter 1
  • Crucible
    • Chapter 1
  • Revenge
    • Chapter 1
  • Blog
  • Buy

Have a thought? Add to the Blog.

Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible" @Solsticepublish, @Solsticeshadows 

8/30/2015

0 Comments

 
Servants climbed the stairs carrying his armaments. Mandrean displayed great excitement at seeing his old gear. He eagerly awaited its application. They began by pulling a suit of chain mail over his head and body. It clung tightly at his chest and stomach. As a result, the chains stopped at his waist and provided no protection for his lower half. It was suggested another suit be fetched from the armory in a larger size. Mandrean would not hear of it. After his conversation with Fendri, Mandrean was determined to fit into his old armor at all cost.

Next the plate armor laid over the mail. The bracers and leg supports still fit fine. The breastplate, however, was a different issue. While Mandrean’s stomach had grown, his armor had not. Still insisting on wearing the masterfully crafted armor meant for a young, fit man, Mandrean ordered the tailors to make alterations to accommodate his growth. The bindings connecting the front and back plates were lengthened with leather straps. One thing they could not change was the height of the metal. The front plate stopped midway across Mandrean’s abdomen. His enhanced chest and stomach made adjustment impossible. Shoulder armor was tied to the front and back plates. Then a massive fur cloak was fitted to the armor. The lining of the fur was purple silk. After a long look in the mirror, Mandrean was satisfied and awaited his final accessory.

A servant knelt before him and raised a long sword toward his master. Mandrean’s eyes came to life as he took the scabbard and tied it to his belt. Once it was secure, he drew the blade. Though it was the length of any long sword, similarities ended there. It was a fine, hardened steel which was black in color from the elements used in its forging. Though pointed at the end, it was not the only area for opponents to avoid. The sides had been painstakingly filed to create massive teeth with sharpened edges pointed at the hilt. Such teeth could catch an opponent’s shield or armor and strip it away with a bold stroke. If the blade were to slash against flesh, it would tear through like a woodsman’s saw, only pausing upon striking bone. A stabbing blow would be little better for the victim. Upon withdrawing the blade its teeth would rip through vital organs and make their survivability impossible. The weapon was more a tool for a butcher than a sword for an Emperor. Replacing the sword in its scabbard, Mandrean confidently strode down the stairs and headed for the door.

 

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Fantasy fiction is my passion.  This series embodies my love for a good story and action.  You will find it to be many things, but not boring!  Read what you love and love what you read...

    Archives

    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.