Bram led Kellan and the other blacksmiths around Fort Arkhaven, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the ancient stone walls. The air was thick with the urgency of their task, and the men carried their tools and materials with grim determination. Bram had been tasked with setting up traps and repairing the old ones, a crucial part of fortifying the defenses against the imminent Galdorian threat.
They first stopped at a narrow passageway that led to one of the main gates. Bram motioned for the blacksmiths to gather around. "This is where we'll set up the first line of traps," he explained. "We'll use a combination of spiked pits and tripwires. If Galdor's soldiers breach the gates, they'll be in for a nasty surprise."
Kellan nodded, understanding the gravity of their work. He had grown more confident in his abilities, and under Bram's guidance, he had learned much about the craft of war as well as blacksmithing. The blacksmiths got to work, digging pits and embedding sharp spikes within them, while others strung tripwires connected to hidden mechanisms that would release a barrage of arrows.
After hours of labor, Bram led them to the next location, an old, disused tunnel that led into the fort from the northern side. "This tunnel has been forgotten by many, but it's still a potential entry point for the enemy. We'll collapse parts of it and set up more traps to make it impassable."
As the men began their work, Kellan noticed Bram's eyes scanning the walls, as if searching for something. "What are you looking for?" he asked.
Bram smiled faintly. "Memories, lad. This fort holds many of them. I fought my first battle here. My father was the master blacksmith before me. He taught me everything I know, right in these very halls."
The blacksmiths worked tirelessly, and as the sun began to set, they moved to their final task: repairing the old dragon slayer. They made their way to a secluded part of the fort, where a tall, imposing tower loomed against the twilight sky.
"This, men," Bram began, his voice filled with reverence, "is the old dragon slayer."
Kellan's eyes widened as he looked up at the massive crossbow mounted atop the tower. It was a relic from a bygone era, a time when dragons roamed the skies and terrorized towns and villages. The dragon slayer was designed to counter such threats, its bolts large enough to bring down the fearsome beasts.
Bram continued, "A long time ago, when dragons were rampant and active in the world, towns had special towers equipped with these large crossbows. Only a few old forts, like this one, still have them. Nowadays, no one thinks much about them, since dragons are said to be extinct. The last dragon was killed 213 years ago."
The blacksmiths climbed the tower, their hearts pounding with a mixture of awe and determination. The dragon slayer was indeed a formidable weapon, its aged wood and metal parts showing signs of neglect but still exuding an aura of power.
Bram inspected the weapon carefully. "We'll need to replace the old cables, reinforce the frame, and sharpen the bolts. It hasn't been used in over two centuries, but it's built to last. Once it's ready, it will look imposing. Don't know how it will be helpful, but orders are orders."
Kellan and the others set to work, meticulously repairing the ancient crossbow. As they examined the bolts, they realized that many were too weathered and worn to be used effectively. Bram furrowed his brow. "These bolts won't do. We need new ones."
He selected an intact bolt and instructed Kellan and another blacksmith to carry it back to the forge. "Make a few replicas of this. We need them ready as soon as possible."
Kellan and Roran carefully carried the large bolt down the tower and across the courtyard to the forge. The weight of the bolt made the journey slow and arduous, but they finally arrived at the forge, where they began the intricate process of crafting new bolts.
Back at the tower, Bram and the rest of the blacksmiths continued their repairs. They replaced the old cables with new, sturdy ones and reinforced the frame with iron bands. The work was meticulous and grueling, stretching into the night and the following day.
In the forge, Kellan and Roran worked tirelessly to forge the new bolts. They heated the metal, hammered it into shape, and carefully matched the dimensions of the old bolt. By the end of the day, they could barely produce two new bolts, ready to be fitted to the dragon slayer.
As the sun set on the second day, Kellan and Roran returned to the tower, carrying the freshly made bolts. Bram inspected their work and nodded approvingly. "Excellent job, men. Let's get these bolts in place."
With the new bolts fitted and the repairs complete, the dragon slayer stood ready, a testament to the skill and dedication of the blacksmiths. Bram looked at his men with pride. "You've done well."
"Hope so it has some use we have worked hard for this."