After we'd awakened, Nelwynn and I had made our way through the inn to find father was already getting the mule amd cart packed.
"Ah, Good morning Landyn, Nelwynn. Landyn, if you want to get the items you intend on transporting, I suggest you start headed to the smithy now."
"Yes father."
With that Nelwynn and I made way for Alan's shop. Upon our arrival, we'd found that only 8 additional arquebus guns were completed.
"Ah, Landyn, I hadn't even heard the wife or Cordell greet you. They must still be sleeping. You already leaving Traer?"
"I'm afraid so, how many of the arquebus weapons have you made thusfar?
"Of the 200 you'd requested, I've so far produced the 2 models from yesterday, along with the 8 other models you'd selected between then and today."
Hearing this sank my optimism, however, I was also aware that the arquebus was entirely new technology. Thus, the total of 10 guns was quite an exceptional number, especially for a crew of those who'd never before made such weapons. Upon realization of this, I'd let out a soft smile and thanked Alan and his crew for their work in producing the arquebus guns.
"Thank you Alan, send my thanks to the others who'd assisted in creation of the arquebus as well, please.
"Not at all young lad, though, you're certain you'll have no problems transporting these, I could arrange for a cart if you'd like? Of course I'd have to charge you for it haha!"
"Yes, I've already spoken to my father about transporting the goods via our cart. I appreciate the offer though."
"Hm, alright then, here you are."
Alan had taken the 8 new arquebus guns, along with the two he'd produced yesterday, placing them on a table before Nelwynn and I, along with 2 large sacks containing their ammunition. After doing so, we'd both grabbed the guns and proceeded to make way to father's cart, which now only contained a small amount of provisions and camping supplies, along with the 10 arquebus guns and ammo sacks. Father had then proceeded out of the inn, bringing the last of his provisions, taking notice of our return, as well as the arquebus guns in the cart.
"Hm, so you're both back already? Hm? Are these the items you received from the smithy, Landyn?"
"Yes father, I've a small number of other items to procure as well, if such is acceptable."
Father looked at me puzzled, wondering what else I had to receive. Rather than question it, father merely had instructed me to make haste, since we would be leaving Traer in less than an hours time. Upon his approval, I'd motioned to Nelwynn to assist me.
"Ah, Yes!"
Nelwynn excitedly responded, following alongside me, as we made our way to the alchemist to receive what gunpowder and flashpowder we could. Thankfully, the alchemist was open, despite how early it was. On our entry, the old man behind the counter looked up to greet us as we entered, before hastily looking down and groaning slightly.
"Welco- oh it's you.... I haven't made all that powder you've requested yet. what are you here for?"
"I'm here to receive what powder you have made thusfar, along with a barrel of flashpowder. I will be leaving Traer for my home soon. I'll have an accquaintance stop by to receive the remaining powder."
The alchemist looked back intrigued after hearing that I was leaving, moreso that I'd be sending someone to pick up the remaining powder. Swiftly he had given his answer to us.
"Hm, well I've only produced a bit over half a barrel, is that alright?"
"Yes, that is acceptable."
Though it was only a quarter of the requested amount, half a barrel would be enough for the training I'd be putting the other commoners through. I would still require more than the remaining barrel and a half, especially once the civil war ignites, however, that was something I could tend to over the next year and a half. Truly, I'd desired about 5 barrels, however production of the powder was slow, and arduous process, since it's an explosive substance it needed extreme carw, lest the producers of the substance risk losing their lives.
It was this risk that made its production more costly than firepowder, however, within a years time I should have amassed enough wealth to see further production of the gunpowder. Soon, the alchemist had rolled out a small barrel, about 3 feet in height, half filled with gunpowder. My eyes widened on the site of it, as I'd not imagined that this was how much was produced. After collecting myself, a wide smile appeared on my face.
"There you go young lad, It will still be some time for the other barrel and a half however."
"No worries, here, take this for the troubles."
I'd reached into my pouch and had taken 2 silver coins and had handed them to the alchemist, who in turn smiled upon its receiving. He had then swiftly placed the coins behind his desk before offering sincere gratitude for my patronage.
"Thank you young lad, a pleasure to do business with you."
I nodded as I had motioned to Nelwynn to help me in rolling the barrel up to father's cart. Swiftly, Nelwynn appeared on the opposite side of the barrel, and had begun to aid me in pushing it out of the alchemist's shop. We'd met father about halfway between the shop and the inn we were at, it seems father had finished preparations a moment ago. On seeing us rolling the barrel towards him, father stopped the cart before us, asking if we'd need help getting it within the cart, which I'd happily accepted, returning his question with a nod.
Father made his way from the cart's side, and aided the both of us in lifting the barrel into the cart. Alongside it, I'd placed several small pouches which contained the flashpowder. Father by this point had his curiousity piqued beyond silence, and had thus asked what we had in the barrel.
"So, Landyn, jyst what did you have to get that required a large keg?"
"Ah, it's flashpowder, father."
I was not necessarily lying, I did have a substantial amount of flashpowder along with the gunpowder, but it was not what was within the barrel. Father merely shrugged his shoulders before directing the mule forwards, cart in tow.
"If you say so."
Father was of quick wit, and had thus been aware that I was not telling him the full truth. It was of little concern to him however, and had thus opted to think nothing of it. Along the way out of Traer, father once more had reminded me of my duties upon our rwturn to Lodroestein.
"Do not forget your duty when we get home Landyn. I need not remind you what that duty is, I presume?"
"Yes father, I am to consteuct an additional small room to accomadate Nelwynn."
Father had looked back at me, smiling as he'd responsed.
"Good lad. Nelwynn,"
On hearing her name, Nelwynn perked up and looked at my father as she answered.
"Y-yes sir?"
"Your duty will be to aid Ornelle in whatever tasks she deems fit for you."
"Ah, yes, sir."
"Good, do not forget your duties."
Nelwynn nodded, looking to me for further approval, which she received as I patted her head. During which, she let out a smile and had begun to blush. Truly, it was enough to almost make one lose control with her cuteness. I however, had to resist, and resist I did, for though I longed for Nelwynn's beauty, I had no desire to put her in any jeopardy. The next few days along the way home were calm ones, with little of interest occurring.
Soon, the commoners would be trained in the way of early modern warfare, soon they would break Oswin and the royal army, and soon would they, along with all others be free from the yolk of the nobles' rule. With this thought in mind, I could naught but be eager for such a day. For the day when it is the nobles begging the people for mercy, as opposed to the way it is today, where commoners and slaves alike are beaten, denigrated, and abused by the nobles.
Soon, it would be the people enforcing their terror on the ruling classes. When the peoples' turn comes, there will be no excuses for the terror.