Emeralds and Enemies

Chapter Fifteen

They stood across a workbench covered in various sized screws, gears, tubes, and brackets. The Knight-Master handed Junseo a basic took kit and observed, "Your Grandfather was one of the first Royal Engineers to be knighted." The man sorted through a couple of pieces and watched his potential protégé closely.

"Did you know him?" Junseo asked excitedly then winced when he remembered the age difference.

"He only gave a few presentations at my school but I can say he made a lasting impression." The Knight-Master smiled his forgiveness for a youth who might tend to group adults into few categories, like old and very old. He continued, "Your Grandfather's legacy was seeing that making would be accepted as a Knight's skill as much as planning, fighting, and riding."

Junseo fidgeted with the tool kit. "I guess I should tell you riding is something I am not very good at. The trip here was near agony."

"Well, we have time to work out something but why don't you see what can do with the pieces here? Say, I give you the challenge of using any eight pieces from the pile to build something to help with the defenses for a camp. Do you think you could do it before the sun goes down?" He gestured at the stack of material spread before them.

"Does it need to be a completely new concept or design?" Junseo asked while he studied the pieces.

"No, just something that will work in the time allotted, using only the material and tools sitting here."

Junseo nodded and stared sorting the materials into different functional groups. They he got some paper and graphite and made some quick sketches. He picked up some of the pieces to confirm their sizes. Then he started winding wire into a tight spring. An hour later he had a small trap ready to be tested. Stepping on the top would release any substance in a flat container. For his test he used bits of metal that landed with distinct pings on the courtyard stones. This could serve as an additional sentry or include a more dangerous payload.

Knight-Master Lie had made his way to the kitchen after setting the challenge. That was where the young man reported his success. Junseo was grateful for the bowl of rice topped with stew he was handed, at least until he tasted it. He was barely able to finish his serving.

"Between cooks, so mostly camp rations for now." The erstwhile chief made this half apology before they made their way back to the work area.

The Knight-Master carefully examined Junseo's piece. Together they discussed its strengths and weaknesses and what different tactical situations it would be suited for. Junseo left very happy to have found such a thoughtful instructor.

For his part, Wen Hou was more convinced his friends were right about this boy, and the possibility of building a team. He worried about the range of training opportunities his small shop might provided within his limited means. Zhong-mi dropped by and listened to his friend's musings "I wonder if Junseo wouldn't be better off at an established training yard or academy. He needs more than tinkering practice if he is going to make it up the ranks."

Zhong-mi scoffed at this notion saying, "If the boy wants to go elsewhere to train that will be his choice, meanwhile we should try to do our best by him." He went on to list what the boy needed, what was being offered elsewhere, and what would be best provided at the forge.

"Nobody else can bring practical design and field experience together the way you can." Zhong-mi emphasized the positive.

"Well, there is a lot more we will need to sort out. The boy admits his riding skills are almost non-existent. I am not sure who we can get to help but it won't be cheap to stable horses in town." The financial side might be tricky but Wen-Hou hoped things would turn around. He went over to the forge and gathered up a couple of pieces.

"See if these will cover a housekeeper and a cook." He did a quick inventory in his head and added, "If there is anything left over see if we can get more silver. Silver sells."

Zhong-mi nodded thinking it was not likely to be enough but not wanting to embarrass his friend. He only said, "Maybe Ying-so will have some more prospects for us next week."