River Shadows

Chapter 1 - Part 1

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, mostly hidden by the trees along the river's shore and the scattered brush of the islands of peat. The air was crisp and cool, good weather for the harvest season. Near the center of the village, a blacksmith's forge was already alive with activity. The rhythmic clang of a hammer striking metal rang out. Roosters wandered freely, loudly advertising their presence. The village of Long was typical of most villages bordering the Somme River.

Gareth stood at the single-horned anvil, with his hands wrapped around the handle of a heavy hammer. His muscles strained with each blow as he shaped a piece of iron into a ploughshare. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breathing was steady and focused. At eighteen, Gareth was tall and lean. He had a young man's beard and dark-brown hair. He wore undyed leather garments to protect him from the sparks as he worked.

Nearby, his father, Thomas, worked at another anvil, his experienced hands moving with practiced ease. Thomas was a large man with a rugged build, his face weathered from years of labor. His eyes, a deeper blue than Gareth's, held a mixture of pride and concern as he watched his son work.

"Good work, Gareth," Thomas said, his voice a deep rumble. "Remember, it's all about control. Let the hammer do the work, it will make it less work for you. Grasp the hammer a bit lower on the shaft and see the difference it makes."

Thomas moved closer and nodded approvingly. "That's it. It's not just about strength, Gareth. It's the technique, precision, and patience. Every blow matters."

Gareth had heard this same advice more times than he could count. He knew his father was right, but he just didn't have his father's passion for working at the forge. Gareth paused, wiping sweat from his brow. "Papa, do you ever think about what lies beyond our village? Beyond the river and the hills?"

Thomas looked at his son, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I used to, when I was your age. But life has a way of sorting out dreams from the reality of living."

Gareth's eyes sparkled with curiosity. He hadn't thought about his father having dreams of a different life when he was young. "Did you ever want to be a knight?"

Thomas chuckled, a deep, warm sound. "Aye, I did. But the world needed a blacksmith more than it needed another dreamer. And so, here I am."

Gareth's expression grew thoughtful. "I want to see more of the world. To become a squire or a knight. I want to protect those who can't protect themselves."

Thomas laid a hand on Gareth's shoulder. "There's no shame in dreaming, son. Knighthood is reserved for the nobles. The door to becoming a knight doesn't exist for us common people. But remember, the world needs blacksmiths just as much as it needs knights. Even knights need blacksmiths. Every role has its place in our world."

Gareth nodded, though his heart still yearned for the life of a knight. He returned to his work, his strikes more deliberate as he worked out his frustration for the fact he wasn't born a noble's son. Almost as soon as that thought touched his mind, he felt shame. He loved his father and mother. Yet, the last thing he wanted was to live the rest of his life toiling by the forge repairing old farming equipment.

~

As the morning wore on, villagers began to pass by the forge, offering greetings and smiles. The blacksmith's forge was a cornerstone of the community, providing tools, weapons, and the occasional piece of intricate metalwork. Thomas and his apprentice son, Gareth were well-respected, their skills were essential to the agricultural village's survival.

One such villager, Miriam, an elderly woman with silver hair tied back in a neat bun, approached the forge. She carried a basket of freshly baked bread, the aroma wafting through the air.

"Good morning, Thomas, Gareth," she called out, her voice cheerful. "I brought some bread for you both. You work so hard; you deserve a little treat."

Thomas wiped his hands on his apron and stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Miriam. You're too kind. This will be a fine addition to our breakfast."

Miriam's eyes twinkled as she handed the basket to Thomas. "It's the least I can do for the men who keep our village well-armed and equipped. How's the work going today?"

Thomas gestured to the forge. "Steady as ever. Gareth here is making great progress. He's got a good hand for the work."

Miriam looked at Gareth, her smile widening. "You've grown into a fine young man, Gareth. Your father must be very proud."

Gareth blushed slightly, nodding in thanks. "Thank you, Miriam. I'm doing my best to learn from the best."

Thomas clapped his son on the back. "He certainly is. Now, let's take a short break and enjoy this bread before it cools."

They sat at a small wooden table outside the forge, breaking bread together. The village around them was busy with the sounds of people going about their daily routines. The smell of the fresh bread mingled with the scents of metal and fire, creating a comforting atmosphere.

As they ate, Thomas began to share stories of his youth, of the dreams and aspirations which subtly gave way to the responsibilities of adulthood. Gareth listened intently, soaking in every word. Gareth couldn't help but feel a surprise in hearing his father's dreams of a different life.

"Father," Gareth said between bites, "did you think what your life would have been like if you hadn't settled here as a blacksmith?"

Thomas's eyes softened as he regarded his son. "I often thought about it, Gareth. However, in giving up those dreams, I gained something more precious. I wouldn't have met and married your mother, and I wouldn't have you as my son. There is no dream that would have been able to give me something more or better."

As they finished their meal and returned to their work, the bond between father and son felt stronger than ever for Gareth. Though his father wasn't a knight, he was a true hero, his hero.