The main forge was officially called the forge of Svarog, named after a facet of the god of Light responsible for metal work, but no one called it that, the name was too dwarfish to be acceptable. It was also misnamed in that it was not just one forge, there were multiple forges that branched off the square itself, which was used to display completed works. As Leora and Sammy arrived, an imposing elf was sorting through a selection of swords while a sweating apprentice stood by, wringing his hands.

  “My Lord, I assure you they are of the highest possible quality and compatibility considering the timeline we were given,” stuttered the man, as the elf tested the balance and weight of the blade.

  “Bring your master.” Demanded the elf, as he swung the sword in complicated figures moving faster and faster until it was just a flashing blur.

  As the apprentice scurried away, Leora stood watching with begrudging interest. She was used to being horrendously outmatched by the demi elves in her weapons training, but she had never seen a full elf fight before. The difference was remarkable. He whirled the sword for several minutes with no sign of tiring, until he came to a sudden stop and turned to face the approaching smith.

  “It is not as good. I need more swords like the previous one you made for me.” He demanded, abruptly.

  “As I told your servant My Lord, that metal came from a sample I received from a dwarf mine that is no longer accessible due to the fighting in the south. I have never seen or used a metal like it, so I am unable to provide you with something similar. If and when more becomes available, I will happily forge more swords for you, but until then, these are what I can offer. They are all fine blades and should work very well with your magic.”

  The elf stared impassively at Hans as he returned the sword to the collection on the rough-hewn table. “Very well, but I shall require your assurance that I will be the one to purchase the weapons you make of this new metal, I find that it suits me very well.”

  Hans reluctantly agreed and the transaction was completed as Leora wandered off to observe some of the other work going on. Sammy’s forge was usually full of household tools that he was making and repairing, pots and pans, gardening tools, small knives and the like. The main forge was full of weapons: spearheads, arrows, shields, swords of every kind. Two teams were even working on what appeared to be a battering ram. Usually about half of the work going on was for religious paraphernalia and artistic works such as the fine gates, or beautiful metal sculptures. All of that had obviously been put aside in favour of churning out armaments.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Leora frowned slightly as she walked around the square, finally reaching Master Oskar’s area where she found him sat on his bench, while his two apprentices were carefully sharpening axe blades behind him.

  “Greetings Leora,” Oskar smiled and patted the bench next to him, “come to keep an old man company, have you?” Leora grinned at him and took a seat, accepting the slightly melted toffee he dug out of his pocket to offer her. “I see you tricked young Samuel into bringing you here. That’s good, we live in complicated times, its best for a fine young lady like yourself not to wander the city alone.”

  “What do you mean?” Leora asked, “I’ve come here on my own loads of times!”

  “Be that as it may,” chided Oskar, “I would be remiss not to warn you of the dangers you might face.” He looked pointedly across the square where the elf lord was supervising the packing of his swords.

  “Are these all being sent to the elves or to Aruen?” she asked gesturing to the weapons being collected throughout the square.

  “A lot of them will be going with Katherine down to Aruen, she’s been made chief armourer there and was concerned by the equipment at the fort.”

  Leora perked up and searched the square for a glimpse of the only female master smith in Lichten.

  “Sorry little one, she is already at the muster point outside the walls. This stuff is being sent out to her and then they’ll set off tomorrow.” He let out a gusty sigh, “I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal in here!” Oscar stood up and waved Leora along, “now come and have a look at what the lads are doing. A battle axe is a difficult thing to get right, you know, and I must say these are two fine specimens of their kind!”

  It was nearly an hour later when Leora finally allowed Sammy to pull her away to head back through the city. They walked in companiable silence as Leora thought over the events of the day.

  “For my last full day of freedom, I think it’s been pretty good” she declared to Sammy as they headed into the neighbourhood which abutted the shrine.

  “Ach, I wish you wouldn’t talk like that.” He objected. “Most people are excited for their coming of age. You’ll find out what magic you have, you’ll be stronger and quicker, and you’ll have skills that will lead you down your path. You’ll know more about yourself. It’s not some prison sentence!

  I know you are worried about the prophecy, but remember, it never said you were going to become some terrifying warrior, just that you were chosen by the light. That could mean so many things.” He looked earnestly down at her, hoping she felt reassured.

  “Come on we need to get you home before night falls, I’m sure your mother is waiting.”

  “No, she already told me I needed to light the candles and prepare for tomorrow because she would be late home.” Leora kicked a small stone and watched it bounce on the smooth paving slabs. Sammy didn’t know what to say. The day before your ceremony was meant to be a time of celebration and reflection.

  “Thanks for today, Sammy.” Leora turned and hugged him, burying her face in his jacket for a moment, before turning and rushing away up to the gate which led to the row of narrow white houses where non-ecclesiastical members of the church hierarchy lived.

  “Good luck!” he called after her, watching until she safely entered her house and he saw the candle in the window flicker to life.

  “Light protect us” he murmured, before turning and heading back down the quiet street.