Wielded by three generations of Longwood warriors in Humphrey's family, Star Born had earned a fearful reputation, and so had those who carried the blade. Unbreakable, and thus far, undefeated in many a battle, Star Born was rumored to be magicked. It was said that the dwarf smith had used not only metal from the stars to forge the sword, but had the blade spell bound, as well, and any who stood against it or he who wielded it, would surely perish.

Humphrey still smiled when he thought about that part of the tale, though in truth, neither he nor any of his ancestors had died while fighting with this blade, yet many a foe was now buried after tasting Star Born's steel. He tested the sword's sharpness with his thumb, and finding it satisfactory, shrugged his shoulders and sheathed the weapon. After rolling up his honing stone in the oil cloth, he put this away, and then made another circuit of the outer thicket.

He found all to be quiet, so returned to the interior and moved up next to Bastion. Humphrey spoke softly, so as not to awaken the others. "Here, lad," he said, and handed over another piece of carrot to his horse. "Keep a sharp watch for me, and let us know if you smell anything off the mark, eh?" Bastion made quick work of the offered treat, nodded his head up and down, and then snorted assent.

"Good lad," Humphrey said, and patted him on the neck. He then settled down in the grass not far from the other two sleepers, pulled his hat over his eyes, and was himself asleep in moments.

To be continued...