With its leather and brass hilt, the knife might be plain and functional in appearance.ěut it was a fine weapon and, Will realized, far superior to the comparatively clumsy swords worn by castle Redmont’s warriors. Mind you,” he added, “the quality of the steel in ours is a long way superior to the Skandian ones.” Will studied the knife more closely, seeing the faint blue tint in the blade, feeling the perfect balance. But over the years the words sort of slid together to become saxe. “It’s both weapon and tool-a sea ax, originally. Unfamiliar name and Halt went on to explain further. “It’s similar to what the Skandians call a saxe knife,” Halt told him. Look after it and keep it sharp.” “I will,” the apprentice said softly, admiring the knife in his hands. It’s made by the finest steelsmiths in the kingdom. It’s balanced for throwing, but you can also block a sword stroke with that blade. “This is in case your enemy gets to close quarters,” said Halt.“Although if you’re any sort of an archer, he never will. The blade was heavy and straight, razor-sharp on one side, thick and heavy on the other. The handle was the same leather disc construction, and there was a short, sturdy crosspiece. Halt looked at him.“Practice.” He gestured for Will to inspect the second knife. The knife thudded home into the wood with a satisfying thock! Will looked at Halt, impressed with the Ranger’s skill and speed. He flicked it free from the scabbard and, in one smooth action, sent it spinning toward a nearby tree. Watch.” His hand moved smoothly and swiftly to the broad-bladed knife at his own waist. “The extra width at the tip balances the weight of the hilt.Ěnd the combined weight of the two helps drive the knife home when you throw it. Narrow at the hilt, it tapered out sharply, becoming thicker and wider for three quarters of its length to form a broad blade with the weight concentrated toward the tip, then a steep reverse taper created a razor-sharp point. “Do it carefully.” Will slid the short knife from the scabbard. There was a brass crosspiece between the hilt and the blade and it had a matching brass pommel. It had a thick, heavy grip made of a series of leather discs set one above the other. The top knife was the shorter of the two. Will took the double scabbard and examined it. He handed Will a double scabbard, like the one he wore on the left-hand side of his own belt.

“These are a Ranger’s knives,” said Halt. He was eager now to see what Halt would produce next from the bundle. “Put it down for now.” Carefully, Will laid the bow down on the ground. This time, he just missed the tree trunk he’d been aiming for. He found he could hold it steadier than before. …” Will tried it and the bow seemed to draw a little easier.

The ruins of gorlan book