Special delivery
Hello followers and good people of Minds. It’s Animeman73 here once again. It’s time for another edition of Inessa Burnell’s #IBASwordTember challenge.
Is it Day 20 already? Whoa how time flies! And we've got another poser, the word/subject is: Big.
Which means this will have to be a tale with a big sword, the kind that would do the Baldur’s Gate character Minsc proud. Let me show you the vignette I came up with. Enjoy.
The wagon rolled down the open road. Two figures sat at the front of the horse-drawn vehicle. In the back a woolen blanket covered the object carried by the wagon.
“You think someone is going to buy that thing Brock?” asked the person who wasn’t holding the reigns.
The man named Brock nodded. “Garvin Willoway isn’t known as a liar Croft. He was clear that we had to come out here to the Naskall coastal plains. The buyer for that thing in the back would be here.”
The man held his trusty crossbow close to him.
“I hope this bloke shows up soon. I don't like it here even with the region's bandits gone. But folks ain’t quite sure about this area near River Mouth Way.”
“What’s got people so up in arms?” Brock asked.
“Word has it that a race of giants moved into the area. Folks don't know all that much about them. But I know you don't trifle with giants."
“Well, I guess now’s a good time as any to figure out if they’re friend or foe.” Brock chimed with a shrug.
Croft glared at Brock. “You may see this as another day mate. But I’ve got a wife and two daughters to think about.”
Before Brock could respond they heard booming footsteps. The two turned towards the left and gaped.
Coming over a hill towards them was a figure as tall as the tower of the River Mouth Way Church. The male wore fur armor and his arms and legs looked like tree trunks of a large evergreen. A thick beard decorated the male giant’s face.
Yet the two men saw big winter blue eyes that beamed with intelligence. The creature waved a hand. “Hail little humans,” it called, the booming voice glowing with warmth.
The two came to their senses and Brock waved back, “Hail… To you too good Giant.”
The creature picked up its pace as it approached the wagon. “You are the suppliers charged with carrying Garvin Willoway’s item, yes?" The Giant asked.
Despite his friendly demeanor he still looked intimidating beyond belief. Brock nodded. “Yes, yes we are. I’m Brock and this is Croft.”
The crossbow wielding man was trembling as he stared at the giant. “Um… Hello, how do you do?” he ventured trying to sound friendly.
“You need not fear us little humans. We of the Storm Giant Clan are not like our crueler relatives in the Far-North. We only seek to live in peace in these lands.
“In turn we will protect River Mouth Way and the local area from enemies. All we ask is the right to trade with you.”
Croft looking into the Giant’s eyes noted the sincere look. “Okay, the merchandise is in the back of the cart.”
The giant walked over and removed the blanket from the item. The giant lifted the sword that looked like it required six men to hold and had a blade the size of a battering ram. The creature grasped the handle with both hammy hands and gave it two test swings.
The giant turned back to them satisfied. “I see blacksmith Willoway’s work is as good as word has it, I am quite pleased.”
The creature turned and let out a whistle.
A six-legged furry creature trotted over the hill. It looked like a cross between a cow and a mastodon.
“Bloody Hells.” Croft whispered. “I heard of those things but never thought I’d see one. That’s a Tuskar.”
“Incredible.” Brock added, also impressed.
The giant walked over to the creature and stroked it. To which the six-legged beast let out a growl that sounded more like a purr.
The giant got a couple bags off of the creature and brought them over. “We have the ore the good blacksmith requested as payment. And for you two something special as a gesture of good faith.”
The wagon horse let out a nervous snort. Croft and Brock got off the wagon and stroked it.
The two then walked over and looked in the second bag. “Bloody Hells!” Croft yelped in elated surprise.
“Artic Wolf pelts, those beasts are killers. But their fur hides make for some great coats for the winter months.”
Brock nodded. “Your wife can make some good fur coats out of these.”
Brock looked at the giant in surprise. “First off Introductions. I am Storm Cleaver of the Storm Giant clan. It's a pleasure to meet you Goodman Croft and Brock."
Croft nodded. "Nice to meet you Storm Cleaver. If you guys ever need something delivered do send word. We can take it to anywhere in the region for a good price."
“A service my people will welcome. By the way, I couldn’t help but overhear you two. I understand Croft you are a father?”
He nodded his confirmation. “Aye, got two girls who are growing up too fast. Me and the wife been together for ten years.”
Swordtember
Storm Cleaver smirked. “I understand that all too well. I have a wife and daughters of my own who are the light of my life.”
Brock chimed in, “Not married myself. But seeing a local Miller’s daughter at the moment.”
This pleasant turn of events amazed and relieved Croft. And I worried about these giants being hostile. You know these guys ain’t so bad after all.