Page 16 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

He had finally found his peace, and this time he intended to keep it.

Chapter Six

Torden

Two days passed without anyone asking Torden to settle a quarrel, fight a battle, or solve a problem that should never have become his in the first place.

He considered that a good start.

The morning of the third day found him at his forge, hammer in hand, shaping a length of glowing iron against the anvil. Sparks scattered with every strike, the steady rhythm filling the open-sided building.

He wasn't making a sword. A farmer who lived several miles east had broken the head of his best axe and needed another. Torden had promised him one.

There was satisfaction in watching shapeless metal become something useful beneath his hands. No arguments. No wounded pride. No one threatening bloodshed over an insult that sensible men should have been able to settle themselves.

Only heat, iron, and the strength of his arm.

The distant rattle of a wagon interrupted the steady clang of his hammer.

Torden glanced toward the road.

A familiar merchant wagon appeared between the trees, piled with goods beneath a canvas covering. A man sat comfortably on the driver's bench, lean and of average height with sandy-brown hair, an easy smile, and sharp hazel eyes that missed little. He dressed well, though the quality of his wool cloak and finely made boots hinted that he was far more prosperous than the ordinary merchant he appeared to be.

The man lifted a hand when he spotted Torden.

Torden returned his attention to the iron.

Carneil, the merchant from Morra Mist. He had stopped at Torden’s home more than once over the years, usually to sell him something he didn't need while somehow convincing him that he did.

The wagon rolled to a stop. “Morning, Torden.”

“Carneil.”

Carneil climbed down from the wagon and glanced toward the forge. “What are you making?”

“An axe.”

“For yourself?”

“Nay.”

Carneil nodded, but instead of heading to the back of his wagon and trying to interest Torden in his latest wares, he remained where he was.

Torden noticed.

“What do you want, Carneil?”

Carneil smiled. “You always did have a way of making a man feel welcome.”

“You've never needed welcoming before.”

That wiped the smile from Carneil's face.

Torden set down his hammer. “What trouble are you in?”

“A woman.”

Torden picked up his hammer again. “Take your wagon and go. I don’t do woman trouble.”