Wrought Iron, Book 1 of Merlin's Message

Chapter 19 - Mission Statement

"Tell me about these weapons used by the Enforcers," Gavin said to Coldark.

"Well," Coldark rubbed his chin with a frown. "Most of what we know is just speculation. You see they use archery. Those other weapons have a shorter range, are probably hard to make, and maybe not be very rugged. It seems they also have a limited number of shots."

"How limited, shots and range? Do you know?"

"They always use bows, or crossbows, first. You know that crossbows are more powerful, but bows are better for faster shooting, yes?"

"Yes. Bows are usually easier to make and cheaper too."

"Correct," Coldark nodded. "So. I've never seen or heard of an Enforcer taking a shot with those other weapons at more than about twenty-five yards. Still. Every Enforcer carries one under their coat."

"Do they have any heavy weapons?" Gavin wondered aloud.

"What is a 'heavy' weapon?"

"Uh. Something big that needs more than one person to operate. Like, uh, imagine a giant crossbow mounted on a cart and four guys working it. It would have great range and striking power. Or like your ship's flame-thrower."

Coldark shuddered. "No, thank the Creator, nothing like that."

'Thank the Creator?' Gavin thought. That's a revelation right there, but I better table it for now.

"Alright, then," Gavin summed up. "They use bows, crossbows, and hand weapons like swords and knives?"

"Yes."

"And these blaster guns? But nothing else you've seen?"

"Correct."

"And what about your flame-thrower on the ship?"

"Ah," Coldark grinned. "Guild secret. Our people came up with a liquid that burns and figured out how to propel it with steam pressure. About twenty-five, up to thirty-five, yards depending on wind and weather."

"It's impressive," Gavin complimented.

"Thanks. But you need to know it takes ten or more minutes to prepare for use, and we only get about a minute's worth of fire even then before we have to prepare it again."

"Good to know. But still pretty impressive."

They both sat down and were lost in thought for a minute. Then, finally, Coldark looked around and raised a hand. Momentarily, a young man delivered a steaming pitcher and wooden mugs to the table.

"A little delicacy, my friend. It's rare. But we manage to get some through our channels."

Gavin sniffed, and his eyebrows shot up. Coldark poured and waited for Gavin to sip first.

"Chocolate! And it's excellent!" Gavin sipped again. It was the best cocoa he had ever tasted. He could not imagine anyone polluting it with milk or sugars. It was robust, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

"Ah. You know of this drink?"

"Oh, yeah," Gavin exhaled. "It's popular back home. But I have never tasted any to compare with yours. This is great!"

"I'm glad you like it."

Gavin held up his cup and inhaled the steam through his nose. Even its aroma was rich. He sipped again.