Rurik quickly stood up, a determined look on his face.
"Give me a minute," he said to Michael before briskly exiting the room, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts.
Heading straight to the forge hall, Rurik entered a space where the air was thick with heat and the smell of molten metal. Several forges were burning hot, with flames dancing under the skilled hands of the blacksmiths working diligently at their anvils.
Upon his arrival, Rurik's presence commanded immediate attention. He raised his hands, signaling for everyone's attention.
"Alright, everyone, I need you to take a break. Clear out the hall and don't come back until I call for you," he announced authoritatively.
The blacksmiths and guards, used to following Rurik's orders without question, quickly complied. They gathered their tools and left the hall, exchanging curious glances but not daring to question the master blacksmith's instructions.
