I finished my morning by responding to my hometown. I didn't know what to do. I decided to volunteer in the neighborhood to do various tasks for free. One of the guards told me that if I want to make a small living while doing a specific job, I can apply for it. I then asked Mr. Hullings for permission, which he granted.
Despite being granted permission, I had no idea what job I would take.
I looked around town and a blacksmith caught my attention. I inquired as to whether he required a worker or an assistant in the forging. He said yes, especially since he had recently purchased a mine outside of town. I declined the spot for the miner and explained why.
He realized I wouldn't be able to work under him for long, so he decided I could be an assistant blacksmith, forging requested weapons while he forges weapons to sell in the outside market.
I agreed, and my first day began immediately. The material used was top-notch, He refused to settle for less when it came to forging. I quickly got the hang of the job because I used to work in a blacksmith shop with my uncle when I was a teenager.
My first request was for a set of knives ranging in size from eight to twelve inches. It was a simple task. I hammered the steel carefully to ensure it was sharp enough.
Before I finish the request, I show it to Mr. Tyrile, the blacksmith, who will inspect it to see if it was done correctly and well.
He complimented my work and then asked me to make a sheath to fit the knives. He told me to go into the storage room and get the leather. I rubbed the piece with my bare fingers, it was also of high quality.
I cut the leather into various sizes and sew them together to make the knife covers. It went smoothly because the tools were properly organized.
While he was working, I asked the blacksmith if any of his sources had seen strange men in trench coats outside the town. "Hmm," he mumbled. "Wait a second here. "I'll be back," he told me. While he entered his house next to the shop.
While Mr. Tyrile appears to be looking for something in his home, I wiped the newly created set of knives as well as the covers. After a few moments, he came out with some sort of folder.
"Open it," he said as he handed me the folder. I discovered letters, which I assumed were from merchants with whom he had done business. The majority of them were labeled Delivery Postponed. I carefully examined each paper and noticed a small detail that piqued my interest.
"...we apologize deeply for the delay in your orders:
- Iron Ore (x25 sacks)
- Copper (10 sacks)
Our transport was obstructed by men in trench coats who were driving their vehicles and stole your orders. They introduced themselves as the Ordeals, an unknown organization. They possessed advanced weaponry typically associated with the military. Our delivery personnel told us that they were being held at gunpoint despite the fact that they were cooperating with these men.
We will make every effort to deliver these items within the next seven working days. Thank you for purchasing our products, and please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
- Smyte Mine Corp."
I inquired about the company's location, and Mr. Tyrile informed me that they were from Fendleburton, the largest town in the region. I'll have to travel through seven towns before arriving at my destination. It's too far, at least for the time being.
"Does that group of men have anything to do with your situation, Elias?" The blacksmith questioned me. Yes, I told him, and they could be involved in the disappearances of my wife and child.
He assured me that I would be in contact with those men soon. I thanked him and went on to finish my work, placed it in the wooden chest and brought it to the gates.
On the way back to the blacksmith's shop, one of the soldiers approached me and said the mayor had invited me to dinner. I told them that I would just give Mr. Tyrile my report and then go to the town hall.
When I gave the blacksmith my report, he offered me a glass of beer and a sack of a hundred nickels. I'm not a mood killer, so I drank the beer before going to town hall. "See you the next day, lad," he said. As I walked away, I waved to him.
I met with the mayor and informed him that I had gathered information about these men I met one night. He poured wine into a glass as I recounted what I had learned from the blacksmith.
"Smyte, you say? They are, indeed, a large corporation. Those men must have ties to the mafia, don't you think? " Mr. Hullings wondered.
Reflecting deeply, I took a sip of wine. "Is there any way we could inform the Smyte about the situation?" " I asked the mayor, and he said yes, but it's not simple for regular letters because they prioritize business-related inquiries.
I told the mayor that we'd figure it out the following day. We had dinner after he agreed. On the platter this time, we had chicken soup and mixed vegetables.
As a gesture of gratitude for the food they had provided, I assisted in cleaning the tables
I informed the mayor that it was time for me to rest and that I would be going to the inn. He agreed with a nod.
I entered my room and took a hot shower. While in the bath, I pondered what information the Smytes might have about the Ordeals.
I went to bed and kissed the photograph of my wife goodnight.