***
Rhenyon calculated it would take six days to charge all twenty five mimets, including an extra day for everyone to regenerate their own jhorun. In that time Sarah, Steve, and the others took the opportunity to explore the city of Borahgg, becoming acquainted with not only the huge variety of blacksmiths offering their wares but also with the people themselves. Every dwarf they encountered was very friendly and more than willing to demonstrate their specialties, whether it was silversmithing, the art of gold-plating chalices, crafting jeweled daggers, or any number of other variations.
Steve even learned the nuances of tempering steel used in the axes worn by practically all dwarves. The friendly proprietor had offered him the chance to put in a few blows. After whacking the red-hot piece of metal several times, and with his ears ringing, Steve handed the heavy hammer back to the smiling blacksmith. Picking up the unfinished shield, the shop owner studied the marks that Steve’s blows had left. Nodding appreciatively, he invited the human to help him for the day, as he was far behind in his work.
As the dwarf went to retrieve a second smock for his new apprentice, Steve eyed his companions.
“What the hell? How the hell did this happen? Do I have a sign on me that says ‘please put me to work’? Breslin, what are you staring at?”
The son of the Strathos was staring at Steve in open-mouthed shock. “Ye were invited to stay!”
“He must want some help. You’d think there’d be others he could ask. He’s gonna regret choosing me, that’s for sure.”
“Ye do not understand, lad,” Breslin whispered to Steve. “Master Kharus here apprenticed directly under my father. Do ye have any idea how many people would pay a king’s fortune to study under him? Stay and ye might learn something.”
Sarah gave him a fleeting hug. “Catch up with us when you can, alright?”
“Where will you be?”
“We have been invited to share the midday meal with the Council at the central plaza,” Rhenyon answered. “Ye can meet up with us there.”
Steve’s new boss arrived just in time to catch the last bit of the conversation.
“Tha’ be jus’ fine, lads. I will have him back to ye in time for yer meal.”
Grasping Steve by the arm, he steered the reluctant human into the heart of his workshop.
Still smiling at Steve’s misfortune, Rhenyon led the rest of the group back into the street to continue exploring the city.
The Prophecy Page 35
