Page 94 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“Jonathon is being too modest,” said Raven, picking up a bag and heading over to the table. “This is his masterpiece to present to you for judging. I am sure it is like nothing you have ever seen before.” She spilled the armor out onto the table.

Jonathon’s mouth fell open. Raven was using the armor he made for her as his presentation piece for the guild masters. It was an ingenious idea. Why hadn’t he thought of it? It was sure to impress them. Still, it wasn’t right, and he couldn’t make them believe this is what he’d planned all along when it wasn’t true. The lies stopped here and now.

“Nay, guild masters. That’s something I made, but is not my presentation piece,” he told them.

“Let me see that.” Wilkin hurried over and picked up the helm. Shroud inspected the chest plate.

“These are exquisite,” said Shroud.

“This armor. It is so small and lightweight,” said Wilkin in surprise.

“It’s for a lady,” Raven told them. “Actually, Jonathon made it for me.”

“Armor for a lady?” asked Shroud. “I have never seen or even heard of anything like it before.”

“Look at this fine work and attention to detail,” said Wilkin, turning the helm around and around in his hands. “Little etched hearts and roses?”

“Aye. That was just an afterthought,” said Jonathon. “I thought Lady Raven would like it.”

“I do like it,” said Raven. “As a matter of fact, I love it. Guild masters, I’ve already worn the armor, and it works wonderfully.”

“Now this is something worth waiting to see.” A large smile spread over Wilkin’s face.

“But it’s not my masterpiece,” said Jonathon, just wanting to be honest.

“Well, why the hell not?” asked Wilkin. “It should be. I say it is. Now, excuse us for a moment, we need to talk in private.”

“You can use the bedroom,” offered Avery, showing them the way.

“Raven. Why are you here?” asked Jonathon, once the men went into the other room. The pain in his hurt arm was becoming unbearable and he needed a strong drink.

“I wanted to tell you I was sorry for hurting your arm. Is it broken?” She reached out to touch it, but he held up his other hand to stop her.

“Nay, it isn’t broken. However it is too sprained for me to be able to swing a hammer. I’m afraid I won’t be able to work in the forge for at least a month or more until it heals.”

“Well, Jonathon Armstrong, that will give you plenty of time to start your own shop,” said Wilkin, having overheard their conversation. The two men returned.

“Pardon me?” asked Jonathon. “What did you say?”

“We’ve decided your exquisite, unique work has earned you the title of Master Armorer,” announced Shroud.

“Yay!” shouted Gerold, jumping up and down and clapping his hands.

“That’s great, Brother. Congratulations!” said Avery, going to shake his hand, but stopping since it was in a sling.

“Jonathon, your dream came true,” said Raven, smiling from ear to ear. “That is wonderful.”

Jonathon should have been ecstatic but instead he felt sullen. “Thank you, guild masters, but I don’t feel as if I deserve the title.”

“Why ever not?” asked Shroud.

“I don’t understand,” said Wilkin. “You will be recorded as a master now, and will be able to open your own shop and employ your own journeyman.”

“Thank you,” said Jonathon, not wanting to sound ungrateful. “However, I don’t have the money to open a shop of my own, and I know that is a prerequisite. Right now, I can’t even work in the forge because of my hurt arm. I don’t feel it would be right to use the title until it fits me.”

“Oh, that’s a shame,” said Shroud. “Being made a master means you need to open your own shop.”

“As well as be married,” Wilkin reminded him.