Shieldmaiden of the Modern Realm (Valerie Stonehold Book 2) by Renée Jaggér & Michael Anderle

Author:Renée Jaggér & Michael Anderle [Jaggér, Renée & Anderle, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2024-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Val whistled between her teeth as she leaned over her workbench. Her pencil hissed softly on the parchment in front of her, the sound puny against the ever-hungry roar of the forge.

She’d check the temperature later and see if it was ready to receive the two types of steel she would layer to make a Damascus knife for an unnecessarily macho tycoon. Right now, her work consumed her.

The pencil’s hisses turned to soft scritching as she started on the details, her movements easy and unhurried. This piece wasn’t destined for sale. This was hers, and no one was breathing down her neck for it.

Val blew graphite dust from the page, set the pencil down, and held the parchment up. She tilted her head left and right as she studied the sketch. The pendant was a large, flat disc, and the skill of its design lay in the carvings that traced its surface. They were a smooth, abstract pattern that started as rolling hills, then lost shape, twisted, elongated, and became the Manhattan skyline.

She smiled. She’d tell people the hills represented the Scottish Highlands.

The center was still empty, and Val laid the parchment on the workbench and picked up her pencil. What would fit there? A shield to symbolize her role as protector? A hammer?

A bear. Val touched her amulet through her tank top.

Her phone’s ping was sharp and artificial against the comforting roar of flames. Val jumped, and her pencil rolled to the floor.

“Aw, crap.” Val rescued the pencil, knowing its lead would be ruined. “Stupid phone.”

She picked up the phone to see a new Instagram message.

Hi Valerie!

Your work is impressive. I’m sure you remember me from the event at the Glasshouse. Nadia recommends you very highly.

After reviewing your price list, I would like to order custom earrings. Would you be able to meet with me to discuss them?

Amy Dulling

Val grimaced and opened her calendar app. After a quick perusal, she shot back a response.

Amy,

Thanks for your message.

I’m booked out for the next six months. Can I get in touch with you at the beginning of June?

Thanks,

Val.

She sent the message and moved to put her phone in her pocket, but it buzzed again, and the ringtone squealed through the smithy.

Val growled through gritted teeth and raised the phone to her ear. “What?”

“Good morning, little spark.” Frode paused. “Is everything okay?”

Val groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Sorry, Dad. Everything’s fine. I’m just working, and my phone won’t shut up.”

“I leave mine in the house most of the day,” Frode cheerfully informed her.

“Uh-huh. No wonder I can’t get hold of you half the time I call.” Val rolled her eyes.

“What are you working on?” Frode asked.

Val smiled. “Something for myself, actually. I’m making a pendant with carvings that signify my move from the Iron Hills to being a bodyguard and jewelry maker in New York City.”

“An incredible journey, even if it’s been short,” Frode agreed. “I’d love to see it.”

Val moved the phone from her ear, snapped a photo of the parchment, and sent it to Frode.

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