"Sword. Take it," the Minister said firmly. He almost had a General's authority to him, but not quite. His intimidatingness came from another source. His face was like a wolf's snarl. They were reminded, once again, just who the quiet man that they'd brought with them on this expedition was.
It was Oliver in particular that that reminder served. The very pinnacle of the Academy's leadership, dragged along on a student's foray. No doubt it must have been irritating for the man. He felt a sudden pang of guilt at what he'd done.
But there was no time to reflect on such things. With the command from the Minister of Blades, Karesh was all but compelled to obey. He pulled the sword from the snow, and tested its weight in its hand. Indeed, it was an oddity. Even the handle was longer than a longsword. Its weight demanded a two-handed grip. It was the sort of odd monstrosity that had to be forged by personal request. They weren't made in bulk.
