‘So, what can I do for you?’he asked, crossing his arms.
‘I was hoping to rent accommodation above the forge for a time.I was here three winters ago, and the blacksmith and I agreed that I could work in the forge for a place to stay.’This wasn’t exactly true.Yes, I had stayed here, but it wasn’t me who had worked in the forge for the accommodation.I was an apprentice the last time I was in Murus, and the future agreement was not with me, but still, I had hoped the old blacksmith would remember me and allow me to work for him now that I was fully trained.
The blacksmith uncrossed his arms, surprise written all over his face.
‘You apprenticed as a blacksmith?’
‘Yes.Five years.’I was well-trained, and I enjoyed my work very much.
‘Can I see something you’ve made?’he asked with a tilt of his head.
I reached behind me for the sword I had strapped to my back.If he were a good blacksmith, he would be impressed by the sword I had spent months crafting.
The broadsword wasn’t too heavy or too light.I had folded the metal as much as sixteen times.I had measured the level of iron ore carefully to ensure the blade had some flexibility but wouldn’t cause the sword’s life to shorten with rust – all things I had learned as an apprentice.
The blacksmith took my sword and ran a finger along the delicate engraving on the pristine blade.
‘You engrave your own swords?’
I knew it wasn’t unusual for blacksmiths to outsource to engravers, hilt makers and even grinders who would sharpen the blade, but along the Red River, there was no-one to do that work, so I had learned to do it all myself.
‘Yes, I can engrave.’Would he say it was a waste of a blacksmith’s time?
He studied my sword for a long time, inspecting every inch.I had etched a mountainous landscape beneath a full moon into the steel and carved the oak hilt into the shape of a horse’s head.
He looked up at me.‘Beautiful.’
My face grew warm as he handed back my sword hilt first.
‘Do we have a deal?’I asked.‘Accommodation above your forge for my skills?’
‘Are you sure you want to stay here?’he asked with a slight frown.‘I’ve done nothing to those rooms since buying this place, and it gets unbearably hot up there when I light the forge fires.’
I nodded, remembering that the rooms were basic but adequate.
‘I have well-furnished rooms in the blacksmith’s cottage, but I have no wife, and we would be alone …’ His words drifted away, and I saw a slight flush creep up his neck.
Before I could respond, he shook his head.‘I’m sorry, it would be inappropriate.’
I bit back a smile and waited for him to decide.
‘No customers here would appreciate fine sword-making skills like yours.They want tools, horseshoes, pots, pans.All rather mundane things,’ he said, rubbing the stubble on his jaw.
‘I know the rooms are simple, and that is all I need.I like to make fine things, but I understand there isn’t always someone to buy such items.’Hopefully, my words reassured him that my expectations for the work and the accommodation were not more than what was available.
‘Well … if you’re sure?’He started to take off his work apron.
I didn’t hold back my smile this time.
‘Go settle your horse around back, and I’ll find the key.’
The two women still stood on the street.The pretty one carrying her basket on her hip gazed yearningly at the blacksmith’s disappearing back.
I led Nightmare towards the small lean-to that was built for housing horses.Nightmare wasn’t too happy to share the space with the blacksmith’s bay gelding, who seemed unbothered by his unfriendly guest.I unsaddled my mare and fetched fresh hay while she drank from the trough, then took some time to brush her down, hoping it would put her in a better mood.
‘You need to mind your manners.You’re a guest here, and I want you to behave,’ I told her in a firm voice.
In return, she kicked the bucket I had foolishly left beside her.‘Nightmare!’I gathered up the few possessions I had with me and left her to sulk.
