Master Of None

Rodney replied to Walker quickly, ”Yes, of course he would.” Rodney’s supervisor had told him to make sure if anyone came asking for their wandering blacksmith to give them a warning about how he may throw away what he believes to be poor quality items. Seeing that Walker was not deterred by this he smiled happily to give a senior that was gossiped over such a potential job for a party that had helped him so much. Rodney told himself he would butter up his senior blacksmith as much as he could to try and get the opportunity to watch him work. It was not every day that someone could learn from a blacksmith that had forged in a volcano. 

Rodney made sure to lead Walker up the back stairs reserved only for the members of the forge. This was another instruction that his supervisor had given him. Many of the more competitive blacksmiths would try and snag jobs from the others so that they could increase their own fame. This was not necessarily bad but when it came to those with higher class abilities or unique crafting methods it could end up stunting their growth. 

There was plenty of black coal dust in the air as Rodney led him up the stairs, Walker made the mistake of grabbing the railing and now was looking at his dyed black hands. The next things he would know he would have coal dust all over himself like a miner. He brushed his hands on this cloths accepting the added chore of needing to clean his clothing when he got home, it would seem that this would become a common task for any time he visited the forge.

Finally reaching one of the high floors Walker looked about finding that the entire floor seemed to only be one large hallway around one large room.

The door to this room was simple but was flowing with carved magic runes. The carvings had been fitted with various metals which seemed to make it harder to focus on. ”I would not re comment trying to decipher these runes They were made specifically to make spying on the contents of the room impossible. They just give you a headache at the end of the day.” It was very good to hear how seriously the forge took their higher level crafting techniques. However Walker still did not want to have his party’s gear crafted here.

Rodney touched the door in a few places changing the flow of magic in the runes. After another moment it ceased its magical glow and the door swung open. This was a pretty cool magic which Walker thought may come in handy one day. He made a mental note to ask more about it later if he had a vault made in the mansion, who knows what he may want to store closer to home.

The room inside was filled with more tools than anything. Various hammers and shaping tools were hung upon the walls. There were many different sized anvils and stools. The amount of coal in one corner seemed enough to last for five smiths. There was even a smaller table filled with an array of files and sharpening tools. With all of these a blacksmith would be hard pressed to find a reason to leave. This was obviously a huge benefit for those with unique skills or high levels. 

Walker seemed to be missing something, wasn’t there supposed to be a blacksmith in here? Rodney had left Walker standing by the door observing while he approached the coal pile. With a quick grab Rodney had started shoveling aside the coal. Curious as to why Walker moved over to him.

One coal dust covered arm soon became unveiled, then another. Next a leg, then the second. Lastly a head without a single hair appeared, there was a man that had been sleeping in the coal pile! His body seemed very thin but still showed plenty of muscle enough to forge metals in to shape. The only other defining feature seemed to be a pair of round goggles that covered his eyes. Other than that he wore simple blacksmith gear, leather heat resistant apron and gloves along with thick pants and boots. If Walker were to try and guess what level he was he would say somewhat low, but since Rodney was so intent on waking this man up he must be incredible.

”Walker I would like to introduce you to our wandering blacksmith! Sir this is Walker he is looking for someone to co,e to their party’s mansion to craft some things.” Walker had thought the man to still be asleep but was proven wrong when he tilted his head a bit to get a look at him.

”It’s nice to meet you, what Rodney has said is true. We require someone with your skills to forge some of our new gear, we have some unique materials that we can’t manipulate at the moment.” This seemed to have gotten the man’s interests. With an outstretched hand he obviously wanted to see the materials.

Walker gave a look to Rodney who was too excited and hopeful to send away. ”Rodney, this does not leave this room understood?” 

”Yes yes of course. The memories from this will be sealed, they’ll never see the light of day again.” Walker would have to remind him again to be safe later. He pulled one of the bronze dragon scales and a single piece of the orichalcum ore from his inventory. The wandering blacksmith took both in to his hands and started examining them. The strange actions he took while looking at them ranged from tapping them, to shining it with his sleeve, and even biting it once or twice.

”Umm” Walker was about to ask why the wandering blacksmith was doing these things when he suddenly placed the two materials back in to Walker’s hands. He quickly started to gather tools and place them in to a backpack that looked like it would topple him over if he put it on his shoulders. After taking over a dozen tools he pointed to Rodney and then the coal pile.

”Yes I will have that pile delivered to the mansion as well.” The wandering blacksmith held up two fingers on one hand. ”Two piles, understood. Walker, he has agreed to journey with you to your mansion. He will most likely stay as long as you need. I know you said you want to get more materials but he will need time to prepare the forge to his liking anyways so do not rush. I will personally come to make sure that things are delivered properly.” Walker could not argue with this, it was naturally what he had wanted to accomplish, it just seemed too fast. That and he noticed that Rodney was definitely using this delivery as a way to snake away and watch those wandering blacksmith craft. 

”Well sounds fine to me, just remember that this stays between us. May I ask your name?” The wandering blacksmith smiled showing that even his teeth were stained with coal dust from sleeping in the pile. He shook his head refusing to give up his name or even speak a word. How weird this guy was sleeping in coal and not even speaking. Should I use it all around appraisal skill? This question was stuck on Walker’s mind, but he decided against it so he could respect the blacksmith’s wishes.

”He is a very humble blacksmith, he never gives his name. This is another unique trait only he has, ”In a hushed tone, ”just go with it.” Rodney set top gathering the coal pile in to a proper shape to be transported while Walker was left to guide his new guest back to the mansion.

Walker stored away the materials he had taken out and headed down the same stairs he had come up. When he reached the bottom the wandering blacksmith pulled him down a different hallway to a rear door. This was the back exist that was only used for deliveries, it seemed that he did not want anyone interrupting them 

”Well, we have an old forge that has not seen much use, we got most of the old rusted tools replaced but it’s pretty sad. I do not have blacksmith skills yet so I can not really use it. I may try to learn some while you’re around though as long as you do not mind.” The wandering blacksmith shook his head showing that he did not mind at all. ”We will need a decent amount of gears and weapons. The largest in size will be two shields that our defender has drawn up. Of course any plans we give you are open to adjustment if you find them improper.” The wandering blacksmith needed this but did not seem to be deterred in the least.

Walker felt strange having an entire conversation by himself but figured he would fill the silence by explaining more of what they needed.