Seth adamant gear

  "We brought you some gear," Doren said, unshouldering his pack and rummaging through the contents. He pulled out an oval shield about a yard tall. "Heroes need proper equipment. "

  "Thanks," Seth said.

  "Adamant," Doren said proudly, handing over the shield. "We fished it out of the same tar pit where we found the shirt of mail. "

  "Probably all belonged to the same careless adventurer," Newel speculated. "Too much money, not enough talent."

  Seth hefted the shield. It felt light, almost like a toy or a prop, but he knew that if it was made of adamant, it was stronger than steel and absolutely priceless. "What a great gift. "

  "We were reserving it to trade for batteries," Newel explained. "But in light of our new arrangement--well, investors need to protect their interests. "

  "It would be a shame if I died before you got your generator," Seth said.

  Doren nudged Newel. "The shield isn't all. "

  From his pack, Newel removed a sword in a battered leather scabbard. Jewels adorned the golden hilt. Newel presented it to Seth, who drew the sword. It felt too light. "This isn't adamant too?" Seth asked.

  "Tempered adamant," Doren gushed. "We found just the naked blade. The edge is keen. The nipsies crafted the hilt, and we salvaged the scabbard from an old scrap heap. "

Chapter 17