Seth breastplate

  "Seth, this spell-forged breastplate is composed of adamant," Newel explained, turning it over in his hands. "The lightest, strongest magical alloy ever devised. In bygone days, wars were waged to obtain armor of this quality. A wealthy lord would have gladly emptied his treasury in exchange for a piece like this. "

  Doren motioned toward the armor. "These days, an article like this is considerably rarer. The breastplate is absolutely priceless. "

  "What do you want for it?" Seth asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

  Newel and Doren exchanged a glance. Doren nodded and Newel spoke. "We were thinking 96 size C batteries. "

  Seth had to resist an urge to laugh. Would they really part with precious armor for batteries? "Let me see it."

  Newel handed the breastplate to Seth. It felt almost as light as plastic, but when he tried to bend it, the metal was unyielding.

  "What do you think?" Doren asked.

  "Feels kind of flimsy," Seth said. Wearing his best bargaining face, he examined the armor suspiciously.

  "Flimsy?" Newel exclaimed. "Hugo couldn't scratch it with a sledgehammer. The light weight is part of the value. Without restricting your freedom of movement, that breastplate will turn any blade, stop any arrow. "

(Additional text cut)

  "Done," Newel said, tossing the breastplate back to Seth.

  "We fitted it with straps so you can wear it home," Doren said.

Chapter 12