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Show 7 - eighteen feet in length and were made of maire, ake_, manuka hardwoods. The most prized weapons were the mere or the patu crafted from bone or stone. They were most valued when made of greenstone, the highly prized nephrite. These weaioons were short club-like striking weanons with taoered cutting edges. It was from this group that Roa and Furuku selected their weapons. Ruruku turned to his brother and s^oke. "For a peace loving soul, you choose a fine and deadly battle weapon, my brother." "As long as this beastly and childish game of war is necessary, I may as well learn skill in handling the best of its weapons," said Roa turning to face his shorter but huskier younger brother. "Tell me, my brother -- I have been observing you since we arrived for battle drill -- why do you yearn so eagerly for battle?" "I yearn only for that which any warrior would yearn. I was felled in our last battle merely due to lack of skill, not lack of courage. And I desire to correct my weakness." "Your courage is commendable, Ruruku* but your wisdom is that of a small boy. There are many |
