Respite [5]

Writing hastily, the strider held the quill as he was taught, the tip of his tongue caught in his teeth. Eager to begin his journey, he carefully printed out each letter - hoping he would be able to get everyone together. He closed the parchment, and handed it to the printer. The gnome behind the counter held the parchment at arms length, adjusted his bifocals. "How many copies?" Krogenar slapped some platinum down on the counter. "How many will that buy?" The gnome moved to the coins, counting them out one by one. The strider looked out the shop's window, and thought he could see the sun move. He tapped a finger on the counter, waited. The gnome hopped down from his seat, began tapping on a small machine. The copy gnome beamed at the machine, his eyebrow pointing at it. "She a beaut, eh?" Krogenar's expression did not change. He blinked at the gnome. "It's an adding machine, of sorts.. It can divide by ten in minutes!" the gnome smiled. "How many copies?" Krogenar repeated, his face beginning to color. The gnome pushed a final button on the machine, pulled a lever backwards with relish. Two Thousand copies." he wrinkled his face up in curiosity, "Why so many?" "Make as many copies as that money will buy, and distribute them by tonight, all over Westbridge."Krogenar left the building, and the gnome behind.