Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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He unlocked the door and ushered in the trio. Once inside, the knights saw shelves stacked with tarnished armour cov- ered with yellow USED strips, and shiny new armour, gleaming silver in the dim light. When Indif feraunce touched them, the silvery paint came off on his hands. ' Don ' t touch the stuff, my friend, said the Armourer, I ' ll be with you in a minute. After an hour had passed, each knight held a full suit of armour. Yet, nothing matched. It was all a strange combination of used and new equipment. The knights looked at each other shyly, feeling like fools. Now, exclaimed the Armourer, We can talk price. You, my friend (pointing to Piouse) owe me ten crowns, four shill- ings, and sixpence. ' So much? implored Piouse. But for that price I could procure a new set of armour. I came to you because it is said you give discounts. My friend, said the Armourer, I charge the same prices as anyone else. But why do you add percentages? Why sixpence extra? asked Zealos. That ' s royal tax, queen ' s tax, and quest tax. . Then you also charge tax! cried Zealos. I do not charge tax, said the Armourer, patiently. I collect it. Do you want the armour or don ' t you? ' Its so expensive, murmured Piouse. Enough! shouted the Armourer. Take it off and get out.

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A small missive tacked to the door said: Back in Quarter of an Hour It will serve us to wait, said Zealos. Verily, ye Armourer has betaken himself to procure fine stuffs to clothe and pro- tect the knights withall. Indifferaunce grumbled. It was a full hour before the Armourer, a small man of mas- sive girth, returned, wiping his lips with a napkin. Gentlemen, what can I do for you? asked the Armourer briskly. Zealos saluted him and proclaimed in a sentorian voice: Most worthy Armourer! We come before you embarked upon a most awesome and holy mission and are in need full sore of the noble tools of weaponry, as befit three stout knights errant. You want the full get-up? asked the Armourer. Then come right in.

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The three dejected heroes complied and left the Armoury. Slowly, they walked into the forest in the direction of For- tress Avihsey. Now we ' re in a fix, moaned Indifferaunce. For without armour and weapons, how can we protect ourselves? We certainly need help, agreed Piouse. Ahem! said a voice behind them. They turned, and saw a man of pale complexion, dressed in a neat suit and vest, with a pointed beard, puffing on a cigar. Who are you? asked Zealos. I am called Revelin, whispered the man. I stand alongside the road to Avihsey, and try to help those who pass. Long ago, I was as mighty as King Belquinor. Those were the days when the turrets of Avihsey shone golden instead of dull green. It was a smaller fortress then, but, I believe, a happier one. You say you need armour. Well, then: Abracada- bra, tora-u-mada! There was a puff of smoke and the heroes found themselves fully outfitted in armour. Before they could thank him, the old magician had vanished. Truly, a great magician and benefactor, that Revelin! cried Zealos. Piouse agreed. Indifferaunce said nothing, but fingered the pommel of his sword thoughtfully. The three set off toward Avihsey.