Forged Bonds (Binding Words Book 4)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “I found a way to enchant it so anyone can use the kettle,” Sean stated.

  Eva, Fredrick, Italice, and Ryan all stared at Sean, clearly more shocked than the smiths. “This will make those in power take notice of you,” Fredrick said.

  “I’m aware,” Sean shrugged.

  “After all you’ve given us to avoid that, why now?”

  “Because someone tried to stop me, and in doing so, hurt the people I love,” Sean replied, his voice going grim. “If I stand out, they can’t arrange easy accidents to take care of me or them.”

  “That is a bold plan,” Ryan said.

  “I’m not sure I would have,” Italice added.

  “All of this hinges on your ability to do what you think you can, Sean,” Fredrick said. “Please be careful if this is the path you want to take.”

  “We’ve already begun,” Fiona said. “None of us will be caught unaware again. On that note, I have a suggestion for each of you.”

  The smiths stopped handing the kettle around to listen to her.

  “We have a small cadre of Messenger Fairies who will be acting as scouts for us when we go out. I would suggest that all of you make an Agreement with at least one pair. They don’t ask for much, and besides delivering messages, they might be talked into doing the same for you. Ven, can you explain it, please?”

  Ven shot down from the ceiling, “Hello. I’m Ven, one of the Messenger Fairies Bonded to Sean.”

  Everyone in the room seemed taken aback by the statement. Joseph was the first to speak up, “Bonded?”

  “Yes, he Bonded me and my pair, Venn,” Ven explained. “We are his messengers, but also part of his family. It is a shocking idea, I know... I would never have thought it possible before he offered it.”

  “Never thought a Messenger Fairy could use a Bond,” Fredrick said. “What is given by both parties?”

  “Venn and I do what my kind does, delivering messages for Sean, but we also oversee the other Fairies that are flocking to him. Those Fairies get room, food, and safety. In return, they scout around him to make sure no ambushes can occur. That same deal could be made by all of you if you make an Agreement with a pair.”

  “Not an Agreement like most give us, either,” Onim added, joining Ven. “My pair and I used to work with Dominguez, but when that Agreement ended, we decided to accept the same Agreement that Ven and their pair have with Sean. Most of you don’t think about us, or you think of us as little better than somewhat intelligent animals, but we are more than that. If you’d treat us like people, most of our kind would be thrilled to work with you.”

  “Can I ask you to send two pairs to my home later today?” Fredrick asked, quicker than the others. “I will offer them similar or better deals than most of the Fairies at Sean’s get.”

  “A single pair would suffice for me,” Eva said.

  Everyone soon voiced their intention of arranging deals with the Messenger Fairies, and Ven flew into the air, hovering there. “I will make sure they come to speak with you. I warn you, though: any ill-treatment or falsehoods will not be tolerated. We have found someone who treats us as equals and we will not allow ourselves to be treated as lessers again.”

  “Always changing things,” Myna murmured, earning a hand squeeze from Sean.

  “That’s the tour,” Knox said after a moment. “I know we all have work to do, so we should say our goodbyes here.”

  “Sean, when are the newer kettles going to be available?” Eva asked.

  “Not sure yet. We just started selling the first ones today, and we have a decent stockpile. A tenday? Maybe more,” Sean replied.

  “A tenday he says, as if that’s a long time,” Ryan laughed. “Just set one aside for me, please. I’ll pay, of course.”

  The other Shapers voiced similar sentiments, and the smiths looked envious at their easy promises to buy one.

  “Everyone here will be able to buy one, at cost,” Sean told them. “Equals and partners. The breakthrough was part of my work on this place.”

  The smiths perked up, agreeing that they wanted one each, as well. When everyone began to disperse, Sam stayed back.

  “Sean, dinner tonight... it’s still okay?” Sam asked.

  “Andrea is making a special meal,” Fiona smiled. “The bath will be waiting for you. Ida will be there to shower with you and help you if you have any questions about it.”

  “Thank you,” Sam said, giving her a hug before she left.

  “Sean, are you sure it’s okay to train me today?” Hob asked.

  “Yes,” Sean chuckled, slapping the young man on the back gently. “Come on, we have work to do.”

  Chapter Nine

  Sean heard voices from the shop when he walked out the back with Hob after their training session. He could not quite make out what they were saying, only that it sounded loud. “See you next Nineday,” he told Hob, turning to investigate.

  “Of course. Thank you, sir.”

  Opening the door to the shop, Myna’s irate voice was the first thing he heard, “Get the fuck out of this shop,” Myna was snarling, to Sean’s surprise.

  “Moonbound servants should know their place,” an oily voice rebuked her.

  Sean was through the door and over the counter in a split second, grabbing the well-dressed man who had spoken by the collar. “That is my wife!” Sean snapped. “Disrespect to her earns you a lifetime ban from my business.” Not waiting for a rebuttal, Sean turned and threw the man through the open doorway.

  The dozen people in the shop stared wide-eyed at Sean’s sudden appearance and ejection of the man. Hob, who had followed Sean into the shop, stood frozen in the doorway behind the counter, clearly shocked.

  “Anyone, and I mean anyone, who disrespects any of my wives or my staff inside these walls will never be allowed back inside,” Sean said firmly. “Now, anyone who is respectful and wishing to do business, we will serve you. Any questions?”

  “Might we get a small design on the kettle?” a man in livery asked hesitantly.

  “At extra cost, yes,” Sean replied. “I’m sorry for the unfortunate display that just happened. None of you should have had to see or deal with that. I’ll discount the sales for those currently present.”

  “Sir,” Andrea said, looking at the floor and sounding contrite. “I’m sorry... it’s my fault—”

  “Stop,” Myna said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. “It was not your fault. Husband, Andrea has other tasks to see to. Might I help her with them?”

  “Yeah, go ahead. I’ll take over here,” Sean said, moving the swing gate to go behind the counter. He saw Hob still standing frozen in the doorway. The young man looked frightened. “Hob, see you next time.”

  “Yes, sir,” Hob gulped as he all but ran for the door.

  “I would have handled it,” Myna whispered as she passed Sean, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

  “Sorry, I reacted,” Sean replied just as softly. “Make sure Andrea is okay, please?”

  “We will handle it, Master,” Myna replied and motioned Andrea toward the back door.

  Turning to the remaining customers, Sean gave them a strained smile, “So, who’s next?”

  ~*~*~

  Sean was still serving a steady stream of customers when the door behind him opening brought his attention to Fiona. “Where’s Chastity?”

  “Settling her mother into the other building. I see we’re busy. We can talk once things quiet down, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Yeah. If you want to handle the Shaping, I’ll handle the transactions.”

  “I’d prefer if the Master Shaper handled mine,” a well-dressed woman said from three back in line.

  “If you come back tomorrow, I can,” Sean told her. “I’m still recovering from a condition, so I can’t do as much as I could normally. My wife,” Sean nodded toward Fiona, “can do everything I could do. In many ways, she does better work than me. It’s your choice, of course.”

  “I will take your word for it
and wait,” the woman replied.

  “How many have you done?” Fiona whispered as she pulled a chair over to sit while she worked.

  “Two or three,” Sean replied. “I’ve been mindful.”

  “Thank you,” Fiona smiled at him before turning her attention to the customers. “Anyone who wants a custom kettle can form a line in front of me. We can make this move faster for everyone that way.”

  Five people moved over to stand in front of Fiona, leaving seven in front of Sean. Working smoothly, the couple soon had the lines gone, even after another few came in.

  “Chastity?” Sean asked when the shop was empty.

  “Weaver is a foul man who only barely follows the law,” Fiona grimaced. “I don’t want to go into details, but Marjorie was not doing well when we paid the Bond price and freed her. Once we got her to the bathhouse, I used flesh Shaping to heal her, after getting an Agreement that she wouldn’t divulge any secrets she learned about me or my family.”

  “She’s okay now?”

  “Physically,” Fiona replied with sadness. “Mentally, she is a mess. Weaver abused her in any way he wanted. Then when Chastity told her of Rupert’s death, she broke down.”

  “Rupert?”

  “Chastity’s brother.”

  “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

  “I hope so, but I’m not sure. I gave Chastity the rest of today and tomorrow off. I had to send Ryann outside... she looked ready to attack. I think it helped drive home the difference between you and other Holders even more.”

  “Thank you. I would have if you hadn’t. Where is Ryann now?”

  “I know. Ryann is with Myna and Andrea, sparring in the yard,” Fiona replied just as the door opened again. “Welcome, how can we help… you?” The last word was tacked on after she saw who it was.

  “Denmur, how can I help you?” Sean asked evenly.

  “It seems one of my servants was thrown out of this shop earlier today,” Denmur’s lips curled into a smile, but his eyes were cold and hard. “I came to apologize if he gave offense and to inquire about purchasing one or more of the amazing kettles I’ve heard about.”

  “Your servant gave insult to one of my wives,” Sean replied, barely managing to stay civil. “He was banned from my store. I will not allow him back in, but I will sell you a kettle. Did you wish a design be added to it?”

  “I would, but only if you do the work,” Denmur said, approaching the counter. “After all, a member of society should have the very best, shouldn’t they?”

  “I’ll be glad to,” Sean replied. “What did you want it to be?”

  “I was thinking perhaps my new crest,” Denmur’s smile this time was real, but it was not friendly at all.

  “Sure. Do you have a copy of it available?” Sean asked.

  “Of course,” Denmur replied, placing a thick coin on the counter.

  Fiona had tensed at Denmur’s request and more at Sean’s easy acceptance, because she knew he had no idea what was being asked of him. “That is quite the request,” Fiona said. “Misrepresenting a crest is a serious crime. I can’t think of anyone who would ask a crafter to replicate one unless they were certain that they could manage it.”

  Denmur’s smile slipped for a moment as he looked at Fiona. The hatred was clear in his eyes, but his amiable mask came back just as quickly. “I’ve heard such good things of MacDougal’s work. I’m sure he’ll be able to accomplish this.”

  Sean placed a kettle on the counter. “I can have it done by tomorrow evening, if that’s agreeable to you. I wouldn’t want to make any mistakes, after all. You’d have to leave the crest here.”

  Denmur’s head pulled back a fraction of an inch. “I see. I’ve heard that you managed all the other work quickly. I thought you’d be able to manage this in a shorter period of time.”

  “As you’ve said, we had a lot of custom work today, and this would require my undivided attention.”

  “I see,” Denmur replied, lips puckering as if he had sucked on a lemon. “I can’t leave my crest behind, so I’ll have to make do with a normal kettle.”

  “No problem,” Sean smiled. “Two silvers.”

  Denmur had been reaching for his coin purse, but stopped at the price Sean named. “What?!”

  “Two silvers for this kettle,” Sean replied, holding his smile. “I’m sorry, you might not have heard of the additional fees that get added on when people annoy me. Now, while you yourself haven’t,” Sean was surprised he managed that with a straight face, “your servant did, so the asshole tax is still due.”

  Denmur’s lips twisted into a snarl, “You think this is funny?”

  “Of course not,” Sean replied blandly. “Okay, I’ll relent, but only because you apologized already. Five large bronze.”

  “That is still over the price everyone else has paid,” Denmur glowered.

  “A little bit,” Sean admitted. “I’ll drop it to the regular price if your servant will come back tomorrow and apologize to my wife while others are here to hear it.”

  Denmur stared at Sean and placed five large bronze on the counter. “MacDougal, I had hoped to start making amends. I came here in good faith and even apologized.”

  Sean took the coins and nudged the kettle to Denmur. “No, you didn’t. You came to see if I was still alive and put on the play for anyone who happened to be around. Your servants are barred from my shop, all of them. I will rescind that the moment the offender publicly apologizes to Myna. Is that all?”

  Picking up the kettle, Denmur snorted, “If that is your last word on the subject, I doubt we’ll have much to say in the future, MacDougal. Please remember this as the day I came to make amends, which you spurned. Such a sad tale... great things could have come about if you’d only accepted my hand.”

  “Left or right?” Sean asked, his voice decidedly unfriendly. “I’ll take one if you really want to offer it.”

  “Pathetic, just like the smiths you sullied your name with.”

  “Denmur,” Sean called out as he opened the door, “I’m sorry.”

  Denmur looked back with a haughty smirk. “Oh?”

  “Yes. I take back what I said,” Sean said with all honesty.

  “Hmm, maybe I can forgive you after all, then,” Denmur’s smirk grew wider. “It’s nice to see you are willing to—”

  Sean laughed, “Oh, no, you misunderstood me. I meant I take back what I said about dealing with you in the future. Your entire house is banned from entering any of my businesses, forever. Now get out, asshole.”

  Denmur’s smirk vanished and his face flushed bright red before going white. Without a word, Denmur left the shop, slamming the door behind him.

  “Sean,” Fiona asked, “what happened earlier?”

  “Oh, right, you weren’t here for that,” Sean coughed. “You see…”

  ~*~*~

  “No Talents when fighting Sean,” Myna said. “We can use them against each other, but Ida’s family will be over shortly, so no Camo at all.”

  Everyone agreed, and Ryann moved to challenge Sean first. “Are you ready for me?”

  “Yes. I do need to thank you for keeping Fiona and Chastity company earlier.”

  Ryann’s smile faltered, “I almost caused more trouble.”

  “‘Almost’ doesn’t count,” Sean said. “You showed remarkable restraint that I’m not sure I would have. So thank you.”

  “You are special, Sean,” Ryann said, raising her practice swords. “I’m ready for training now.”

  “Try not to bruise me too much,” Sean chuckled.

  “I’ll kiss them better later,” Ryann smirked.

  Shaking his head, Sean shifted his training hammer in front of him. “I’m not going to let you have many to kiss.”

  Ryann rushed him, making Sean parry and pivot away. His hammer came back, catching the second blade and driving it away. Ryann did not stop; she kept after him, pressuring him as much as she could. Sean let the flow of battle wash over him, his muscles and in
stincts keeping him a step ahead of her for over a minute.

  “Thank you for having us,” Sam was saying to Fiona as they entered the yard. “I hope we aren’t interrupting.”

  “Not at all. This is what we do every night,” Fiona replied, waving her hand at those still sparring with wooden weapons.

  Sam’s voice caught Sean’s attention, pulling him out of the flow, and a moment later, Ryann slapped his hammer up and away before striking him in the gut with her second blade. Sean winced a little at the force of the blow, even through his armored clothing. “Damn,” he sighed as he stepped back. “Got me.”