Chapter 99: A Hunger Of Their Own
Just moments before the battle started, as Milky idly strummed a tune on his lute nearby, Rust was dutifully following his prince’s order. The fox had the important task of watching over Lady Alice herself, and so the fox had received a bit of help to move her outside near the wagons waiting at the ready to make a swift retreat if necessary.
Rust knew it wasn’t the most important job, but he accepted the responsibility regardless. The young fox stayed close to the resting cat, standing guard like a true, noble knight, just like his auntie was.
Rust heard a familiar cough and turned to see his mentor, Tan, approaching. The orc looked a bit different in his light armor and certainly a bit too old for such attire, but Rust knew the smith had a few tricks left to use if needed.
The orc reminded him of his grandfather in that way, older but reliable, and never to be underestimated. Rust smiled up at his mentor and gave a light nod. Tan suddenly held something out to the fox dangling by a short strap and started speaking in a tone filled with earned respect.
"Every defending warrior deserves a worthy weapon... And this one was crafted by the best blacksmith I’ve ever seen for his age. I just touched it up a little... Don’t use it unless you have to, young Rosten."
Rust recognized the dagger immediately. It was the very first thing he had forged with the orc’s guidance, but it appeared his mentor had been busy.
There was a burnt orange scabbard that fit smoothly over the blade now. The orc had adorned ivory colored stones along the sides of the sheath with touches of black metal, making the clash of orange and white from the scabbard meet the red steel, and black handle of the dagger itself.
There were decorative holes punched through the sides of the sheath, allowing a glimpse of the crimson blade to peek through threateningly. In one single weapon, every color of the fox’s fur was represented. It was custom made to be his.
The young fox accepted the gift in awe and slowly pulled the blade from the hilt. It slid effortlessly once a small bit of force was used to bump it free from the hilt. As the crimson steel slid from its holster, the entire blade shimmered reflectively beneath the last golden rays of the setting sun, casting a warm glow back upon his bewildered expression.
Rust saw three large black markings on the sides of the blade and ran his fingers over the symbols. Tan smiled as he spoke three words.