Tales of the Wanderer

Prologue

"I can't bring the price down, m'lord."Ajax sighed and pinched his nose. His patience waning. "Ye hafta pay the other half."

"Listen here boy, I told you that your price is ridiculous and that I will only be giving you the six gold. Now hand over my ring." The man wore an ugly get-up, and the golden lion sigil shone on his cloak like a white feather on a dark night. His hair was up in ridiculous curls and his outfit was so bright it challenged the sun. The man in question was at a height with Ajax, his hair a stark white complimenting his blue eyes. Everything about this man screamed 'Wealthy" it almost made Ajax sick.

"And I tol' ye I can't do that. If I lowered the price anymore we'd be outta business."

"I will put you out of business if you do not hand over my ring this instant!" The older man demanded, his pudgy face turning red with anger. Just as Ajax was about to let out the nastiest string of curses he knew, he felt a hand on his shoulder. His dad stepped forward, a kind smile on his face,

"My Liege, what's the trouble 'ere?"

His deep, voice soothed the tension between the pig-like man and the young boy. Ajax took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay professional. His father gave him a dismissing nod, before turning his attention back to the customer. Ajax nodded back, walking towards the back room. He made to grab one of his personal projects, trying to ignore the unfolding argument behind him, when he heard a large crash. He quickly turned around to see a rack of weapons on the ground and the door to their shop slamming shut. The eye-burning red cloak, flapped in the wind as dramatic as the wearer. His dad stood at the counter blank-faced.

"He didn't hurt ya, did he?" Jax rushed over quickly, his voice shaking lightly. As he took in his father's form, checking his dark complexion for any signs of injury. A hand rested atop his head, ruffling his hair a little, "All's well, my boy. He tried, but nothin' can touch yer old man."

His laughter filled the smithery, the deep and rich sound echoed off the walls. It was infectious and Ajax couldn't help but join in. They both got to work making sure none of the weapons on the rack were damaged or bent and then they reset the rack. Thankfully, no one had come in during that mess that wouldn't have looked good for business.

"What're we gonna do with the ring? It took so long ta' make.." Ajax looked at the beautiful silver ring, sitting in a rose-engraved wooden box. The client wanted the silver to twist up in the shape of a rose and the engravement to be that of leaves and vines. It had taken him days to get a design he was happy with. And the box was commissioned too, and though it didn't take him as long as the ring, figuring out the twisting and curling of the vines and petals was a challenge. Dark mahogany made the vibrant red and white roses stand out, the gold accents just completed the entire look. It would be a waste to just get rid of it.

"Well, so long that," his father's lip curled a rare flash of anger crossing his eyes, "man doesn't come back, ye can keep it. 'Tis one of your finer works, and it'd be a damn shame to give it away."

"Thanks, Pa!" Jax gave him a quick hug, before taking the box and rushing towards his workstation.

"Mind ye clean up yer bench, Jax! We need it lookin' presentable!"

"I will! I swear!"

Ajax could barely contain his excitement, he got to keep his first commission. Now normally that wouldn't be a good sign, but he was mighty proud of it and wouldn't have been keen on letting it slip away. He placed the box on a small shelf he had above his station. Admiring the paint job before grabbing a half-engraved dagger and his finery tools. It was time to get to work.