FOUR
The Rangers
Spring 965 MC
Gorath stood in the centre of the magic circle examining the gold and silver inlaid into the floor. "It is quite remarkable work, this."
"It is," agreed Hayley. "I understand Lord Aldwin was the artisan who crafted those runes."
"Lord Aldwin? Beverly's bondmate?"
"Bondmate? Oh, you mean husband? Yes, that's him."
"I had no idea he could craft magic."
"He can't. He's a smith. It was Lady Aubrey who empowered the circle."
"But didn't Aldwin forge Dame Beverly's hammer?"
"Yes, he made Nature's Fury from sky metal, but it was Albreda who gave it the power of the earth."
"This all sounds so complicated," said the Orc.
"I don't see why it should. Your own chief, Urgon, has an enchanted sword, doesn't he?"
"He does, though that was handed down by his f
