| Subject: Magma Fortress- Chapter 2 |
Author:
Conder (NK)
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Date Posted: 16:24:52 07/06/06 Thu
Cavero snorted in contempt as a low-ranking spear-carrier just in front of said pine marten tripped over his circular shield and fell on a rock. While the exasperated weasel soldier regained his balance, Cavero looked around inside his personal transport wagon, which was top-of-the-line technology at that time. He was seated in the back of the four-wheeled vehicle, on a small platform with a cushioned chair mounted on top. In front of him, an ingenious contraption powered by two immensely powerful rats turning a horizontal wheel (connected to the floor with an axle) powered the wagon’s movement, diligently moving it forward at the same pace of the marching troops around it. A notably observant fox stood at the very front, holding yet another horizontal wheel, which was also attached by an axle to the wagon floor. This one rotated the entire front wheel assembly, allowing the wagon to turn in either direction. Since this device of transport was beast-powered, it had to be moderately light, and only a small amount of low armored plating had been attached to the sides. Nevertheless, the two heavily armored crossbow-carrying guards on either side of Cavero ensured a good level of protection. Cavero himself wore a scale mail cuirass, light chain mail leggings, steel-plated boots and an ergonomic helmet designed to deflect a strike from any direction or force.
While the forces of true vermin approached Magma Fortress, Mago was leading reinforcements to the battle site to arrive before the conflict began. He had gone throughout all of the southern lands, paying vast quantities of his fortune to recruit the best and only the best. Each member of his army was fitted with a full suit of steel-plated brigandine armor, including Mago himself. He had made sure that nobody was treated poorly, as was shown through his actions including creating an entire medical crew designated specifically for working on battle injuries and wounds. The siege equipment they towed in their wake was recently built of oak and elm, designed to withstand repeated use in a single battle and still maintain a good condition. Mago was actually walking, not riding in some wagon built for lazy cowards, while the troops behind him were diligently following despite the fact that they could leave at any time if they wished. Mago took good care of his army.
Quel had already received what Redwall, Salamandastron and Mossflower as a whole could offer. A regiment of hares related to the Long Patrol stood in the courtyard, while mixed beasts were being issued high-quality weapons until the good items ran out and they started producing arms on the spot. Commander Quel conversed with the chief blacksmith, Dasco, as the slightly overworked squirrel hammered out a spearhead.
“Quel, I know they need weapons, and they’re getting them, it’s just that you’re pushing us a little too hard! We have five days, to arm these beasts-”
“And to train them, and to organize them, and to prepare them for battle! We’re out of the spare weaponry, and need more!”
Dasco hesitated before continuing to beat out the tip of the spearhead.
“OK, listen, Quel. The blacksmiths and I are a bit overworked, but we still have at least five hundred weapons to put together. Even with the help of those hares, help that we’re receiving already both through what they brought with them and through their help producing armaments, it’s going to be at least 2 more days of work--- overtime work--- to fully supply these Mossflower recruits.”
“I understand… Dasco, your spearhead is melting.”
The chief blacksmith had forgotten what he was doing, and the red-hot spear tip was beginning to deform. Dasco furiously beat it back into shape, dipped it in water, and drove it into the spear shaft waiting for it.
“You know, sometimes I mess up with these things, but this is depressing.”
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