An Army on the March

Alex was currently in the stall with the smith, who had his new gear presented before him on a raggedy towel. The old man gently laid out the cesti before Alex and presented him with an extra piece of equipment he had crafted over the last few days. 

"I felt as if your payment was too valuable for just a set of gloves, so I crafted some leather gear for you out of the remaining minotaur hide. It may not look like much, but its defense should be greater than that basic steel plate you have on your arms. If you want, I can pay you for the plate armor you're currently wearing. I could use the materials..."