As the afternoon sun swept over the lands, Gerard examined one sword Scarlette repaired for their growing armoury.
"This is good work. You might not have the same abilities as Gander, but you could give him a run for his money."
"Gander? Iron-fist Gander?"
"Yes, that's the one."
"You know him? You have to introduce us!"
"Next time I see him, I'll mention you. He's pretty busy, but I'm sure he'd try to see someone of the same craft."
"I'm looking forward to it."
A rumble shook the castle grounds. The barrier glowed brightly in the sky above.
"Enemies! We've made contact!" a guard shouted into the courtyard.
Gerard sat the sword by Scarlette's smithy and looked at the guard calling down from the castle walls. Guards scrambled up the steps to see the enemy, and they shrunk down in fear. Three more thuds reverberated through the air as boulders smashed to pieces on the barrier.
*Siege weapons? The barrier was a good call.*
Gerard ascended the steps and stood atop the wall.
