The veteran Lieutenant Donovan ten-names said, “I agree with Longbeard. Eventually the enemies will seek the riches of the mines. But vengeance drives the sorcerer and highwaymen! They will first seek the destruction of the settlements and won’t be happy until Gnome-town falls. The Burgomaster has pursued the highwaymen relentlessly and brought down their leaders. For them to show themselves, they must be confident in their strength. Mayard, we will need all our strength to defeat them. To inventory our steeds…we have Cecelia’s halvsie Nuffin, my halvsie Shadowdancer, Donovan’s halvsie, Iyaca’s halvsie, the halvsie that pulled Alden’s cart, two phi gamms, four workhorses that are no good for riding, and four halvsies that pulled the second wagon. That gives us nine steeds that we can ride. The four workhorses can pull the copper-carrying wagon.”
Mayard looked to Rhiann. Rhiann weakly nodded affirmatively.
p-Mayard said, “Then let’s make ready. What can we acquire from Jack’s livery?”
The livery’s blacksmiths quickly brought a large stallion for Mayard and three stout halvsies, including little Lightnin Bug that had borne Nugget to the mine camp. This gave them a total of twelve little steeds. Longbeard Nineteen names chose himself, Mayard, Rhiann, Donovan Ten-names, Rudy Nine-names, Alden Eight-names, and seven other experienced guards. He ordered Roro Seven-names to take command of the wagons and follow the riders toward Dry Creek.
Iyaca said, “What about me?”
Rhiann said, “It’s best you stay with Roro.”
Iyaca said, “No, the Burgomaster told me to be with you. I want to go.”
Roro said, “One place is as safe as another. I really can’t guarantee his safety and certainly can’t watch over him.”
Little Lightnin Bug recovered quickly. Iyaca climbed onto the halvsie and replaced a loudly grumbling Gnome with six names. Thirteen riders left Jack’s Refuge. Eleven Gnomes led by Roro Seven-names commanded the wagons. The two merchants from Dry Creek remained with the wagons.
Roro shouted, “Make safe Dry Creek!”
benjamintowe 