Early the next morning, Patryg was walking the yard, checking with his people and making sure that they were getting ready to leave.  

“Sir Patryg!”  A voice called out from the smithy.  Curious, Patryg walked over to the stone building that housed the Smith's work area.  Stone, because of the fire and heat and because stone wouldn't burn if something happened and a fire started.  Upon stepping through the wide outer door, Patryg found himself face to face with the Keeps armory officer and smith.  “Good Morrow, Grand Master.”  He was welcomed with a semi-salute.  

“Good Morrow, Master Stewyrt.” Patryg returned the greeting with a half-salute of his own.  “What can I do for you?”  He inquired.  

The burly iron and metal worker gestured toward a chair and when Patryg accepted, he drew a deep breath.  “How much Iron and Metal material do you want me to pack up?”  The Grand Master arched a brow, prompting the smith to continue, “I have over twenty-nine stone of iron and nineteen stone of Metal, along with ten stone of brass and tin.”  At Patryg's surprised look, he shrugged, “It's all been gathered over eighteen years of work and trade.  I know we won't be able to take all of it, but I hate to leave it all behind for Kalyb to steal.”  

Patryg thought it over for a moment, then after a deep breath, said, “Take what you can carry on two wagons, along with your portable equipment, and sell the rest.”  He grinned, “I'm sure that you can think of several fellow smiths that could use it.”  He looked around at all the equipment.  “You can even sell them your excess equipment.  I think it would only be fitting for some of Kalyb's gold to travel with us, don't you think?”

The smith nodded and chuckled, “If I get together with the tailors and leatherworkers, and limit them the same way, I'm sure we can take even more of his gold out of country.”  When the Grand Master didn't reply, he shrugged, “Travel isn't going to be cheap and we'll most likely take most of the game along our path, so it would be helpful if we could pay our way when we go through a village.  

Patryg nodded, “I agree, let's make it so.”  He glanced around. “Will you be ready by the deadline?”

The Smith emphatically nodded, “Yes, I'll have my wagons packed, as will the others.  I'll send my assistant into town to sell the excess iron.”  He caught Patryg's concerned look. “I'll even ask for an escort.  We wouldn't want Kalyb to steal back his gold, or thieves to get hold of it.”

“Let's send the novices.  They'll have to get used to traveling and working as a group anyway.”  Patryg commented.  “You do what you need to do, and I'll talk to Master Turquin about the novices.”

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