Where the Sun Meets Duthalia

Chapter 6

It was days before she saw her father come to bed at a normal hour. Then one day he finally finished the sword.

When it was completed both she and Thom gathered around the sword to admire it. She'd never seen anything like it, and was in awe that her own father had been the one to craft it. Everything else in the smith seemed so dull by comparison. So did everything else she had ever laid her eyes on for that matter.

Not only was the steel of the blade unlike anything Ethney had ever seen before, but the handle was so elegantly crafted, she could imagine a king himself wielding such a sword. Her father had purchased and traded for some of the materials from outside the village he wouldn't have otherwise had. One of the lord's assistants had come by to aid with that. The pommel was gold, encrusted with purple gems, barely more than flecks and in the center was an oval shaped emerald, making her think of a dragon's eye. The grip itself was designed more for function than beauty, but still appeared elegant. The handguard was gold, interwoven with the fine fae-steel creating something that was both hard to look away from but also almost impossible to fully focus on. She could picture none but the noblest of warriors wielding such a sword. She hoped the lord's son was worthy of the weapon but was doubtful. Her limited experience with the elven lord and his people was that they were snobs who pretended to be some great benefactors when in reality all they did was take.

They were so enraptured by the weapon, they hardly noticed when William came up behind them.

"What's every 'un lookin' at?" he asked curiously as he moved closer.

"Just some work I was finishing up," Kenelm responded as he began to open the carefully prepared box, he had to store the sword in. He had laid down a bed of straw to cushion and protect the metal, despite the fact that the faesteel was stronger than any other metal Ethney knew of. Her father had been teaching her about the properties as he worked. It would take a lot more than anything they had in this shop to dull the blade. That wasn't even counting the enchantments she'd watched with riveted fascination as he'd worked into the sword, explaining each step of the process.

"It's for Lord Tynan!" Thom said, proudly.

William stared at the sword with slack-jawed wonder. He reached out to touch it, but Kenelm gently swatted his hand away.

"Best I go ahead and put this away. I'll send word to Fionain to let them know it's ready," Kenelm informed the man as he explained his actions. Ethney wondered who would be sent to the castle. It made sense not to carry the sword themselves. Few people in the village would have the ability to protect such a precious bounty should anyone wish to take it.

"Can I go to the castle?" Thom asked, his blue eyes glittering with excitement.

"Sorry, lad. I'm afraid your ma wants you kept close."

The castle was only a few hours away on foot, maybe four, but most villagers avoided going there unless necessary. Very few Sogalta resided within the walls, and they were the lowest of servants. The Luthgrian ruled over the Sogalta and did not lower themselves to mingle with those so far beneath them. Ethney had barely even seen their lord. Typically, they only sullied their feet with the dirt of the village to collect taxes or enact justice. The only real exception to this she knew of was when they had come to recruit men for the war.

"I'll go," Ethney offered, nervous at the prospect of dealing with the elves herself but refusing to show it.

"No need. I'm sure I can find a boy willing to make the trip," he responded a little too quickly. This only made Ethney more determined.

"Papa, I can do it! I could be there and back before dark if I move quickly. I have more time to spare than most, and I so rarely leave the village."

"You and I both know that's not true. You spend so much time in the forest some villagers suspect you to be part wood sprite."