Ummana by Xenia Melzer

Author:Xenia Melzer [Melzer, Xenia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy
ISBN: 9781635333626
Publisher: DSP Publications
Published: 2017-07-03T22:00:00+00:00

ON THEIR way to the stables, they passed one of the patios that permeated the palace like combs in a beehive. A music even sweeter than the one from the birds reached Sic’s ears. It was the monotonous hammering of steel on steel, the hiss when gleaming metal was dipped into cold water, the higher, more exquisite sounds when petite hammers met gold and turned it into art.

Without thinking Sic followed this siren’s song and finally reached the royal smithy located in the patio. In the cooling shade of twelve archways, forges and anvils were placed radially around a fountain that provided the water for cooling the metal. There was buzzing activity all around them, and Sic didn’t know where to look first. It was all so familiar and comforting, he could not help but go there as if pulled by invisible strings.

A tall, muscular man blocked their way. He had a friendly, open face with lively hazelnut eyes that regarded the two young men with a hint of suspicion. His voice was deep and warm.

“My name is Jago. I’m the master of the royal smithy. What can I do for you?”

First, Casto and Sic bowed their heads in respect, as was befitting in front of a master. Then the king spoke, since Sic was still too busy being enchanted.

“My friend’s a smith and would like to work here. You don’t happen to have a vacant anvil?”

Jago scrutinized the two visitors suspiciously. The one talking was remarkably beautiful and knew how to phrase his sentences. His friend only made short eye contact before he stared down at the ground. Both were dressed well, like the rich nobles in the city, but the silent one had scars on his neck, wrists, and arms. Jago didn’t need a lot of imagination to know what the rest of his body looked like or how he had gotten those scars. The two were a very contradictory pair, and whomever they might be, he decided to be careful.

“What’s your name, boy?”

“Sic, master. My name is Sic.”

“And what’s your rank?”

“I’m an apprentice, master.”

“Well, an apprentice, you say.”

“He’s really talented, I can assure you of that.” Again it was the blond who spoke. His voice was insistent, with a pleading undertone. “Please, give him a chance.”

Jago thought about it. He had too much work for too few men. Even if Sic should prove himself clumsy or inept, he could still use him for odd jobs.

“Fine. You can work on probation for today. If I’m satisfied with your performance, we can talk about a lasting arrangement. But I’ve to warn you, you’d earn more down in the city. My budget is limited and, strictly speaking, already drained.”

The young man beamed. His bad financial prospects didn’t seem to bother him in the least.

“It doesn’t matter, master. I’d be honored to work here.”

The good-looking blond furrowed his brows.

“What do you mean, limited budget? This is the royal smithy. Your business should be thriving.”

His tone was so sharp, Jago unconsciously matched it and answered in the same manner.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.