Tylywoch ~ 10

 Tylywoch ~ 10  Swordsmith II 

By Len Morgan

   “Bianne Cantro” he spoke it aloud for the hundredth time.   Such a wonderful name, so full of dignity and authority he mused, recounting his afternoon’s adventure dreaming of passion….

“So what did her father the good colonel say?”  Terrek interrupted his daydream.

“You have just saved my most precious possession sir, I am forever in your debt…” Jax quoted verbatim.  

“ABOUT THE SWORDS, you idiot!   Was he happy with them?   Ought to be, they’re the best he will ever own,” Terrek said.

“He tried both, and was very appreciative of the fine balance and craftsmanship, he particularly liked the gilded chasing, said he will be more than happy to settle the account on the next quarter-day.” 

“Good!   Now perhaps we can get back to more mundane matters.   The city militia’s order for two dozen bulk standard blades, will keep us employed for the next two weeks.”   He looked Jax straight in the eyes placing a hand on his shoulder, “I think you’ve earned and deserve the chance to forge your first solo blade.”

Jaxs’ face flushed with joy.   “One of the two dozen?”  He asked, scarcely able to contain his excitement.

Terrek smiled again not wishing to dampen the lads' enthusiasm “We’ll see, no promises mind, I had the dubious honour of turning my first effort into plough shears” he shook his head and walked away, the look of amusement still on his face.

Jax’s first attempt was indeed clumsy but, with the masters' direction, it turned out to be a reasonable blade – from Terrek’s forge that meant a superior quality plain unadorned blade.   He went on to produce a second, third, and fourth each better than the last, while matching Terrek hammer blow for hammer blow.  When they viewed the finished blades Terrek was unable to distinguish one from another. 

"Boy, you've done good work!"

"Thank you Master," it was praise indeed.

 Without another word, Terrek produced a small block of fine steel  [1" x 2” x3”]. 

“Make me the finest blade I have ever seen and I will make you a journeyman with papers to prove it!” he said.   This as good as told Jax that it would be his prentice piece.  If successful he would become a fully-fledged Swordsmith.   Without another word, Terrek walked out of the forge and into the city.   His plan was simple, to celebrate by getting drunk in the company of friends, allowing his young apprentice to prove his worth. 

(To be Continued)

 

By Len Morgan