Lex of Rhule

Chapter 10: Mole

   Lex lay awake watching dust float in the sunlight streaming through his bedroom window. His stomach grumbled with hunger pangs. The last thing he had eaten was the eggs Kairi had made them. Thinking of how delicious they were made his stomach groan again.

   He was plenty rested but was in need of nourishment. He needed a break . Everything that had transpired the past span of days left him emotionally and physically exhausted.

   He decided he would go see Rory and snag a bite of his mothers cooking. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he quickly dressed. It wasn't until he was lacing his boots that he heard hammer on steal and smiled.

   Making his way through all the orders on tables and different kinds of ore he found his father pulling a blade from the coals only to start beating it again. He loved watching his father shape the metal. The heat on his face and the pungent smell of smoke and iron. The heat soaked into his skin making him feel relaxed and calm. As he breathed in the smells around him he became almost giddy.

   He began laughing and Zander raised his eyebrows in his direction with a slight grin on his face never pausing keeping a steady pace with his current piece of work. When it became clear that he couldn't stop laughing Zander stopped.

   Shaking his head at the boy he shoved the sword into the water trough to let the iron cool. Then his face split into a grin and he began to laugh too. Lex had leaned onto the desk using it as support when finally he gained control of himself.
Still chuckling he finally spoke.

" Well isn't this a sight for sore eyes. With the dragon and these crazy girls making such a mess of things I had not had time to appreciate your recovery. It sure feels good to see the forge puffing and smoking away. I am truly grateful that Clare showed up when she did. Looks as though your were never ill."

Zander laughed pulling his hands free of the gloves that protected his hands from the heat.

"So...you don't hate me? He replied.

Lex stared at his father all joking aside.

" I could not if I tried. I understand what you did father. It came as a shock but I know it affects all of us. It be a tad selfish if I blamed any of you."

Zander smiled and sat down looking like he could use a drink. It felt as if the fire would shape them if it got any hotter.

"Good." Replied Zander, "Well what brings you out so early this morning? I thought you'd sleep till midday."

    Lex's stomach growled loudly in response to his question and they began laughing again. After washing up they settled their horses and headed into town.

   As they neared the stables he could see Mathias with his lemon water table and people all around. It seems the travellers from Ra'viir had found the little boys gold mine. Bustling through the small crowd that had formed they dropped from their horses and allowed him to lead them into the stables.

"Thank you young man. It seems that drink of yours has become a hit. You mind if I get one for each of us?"

Mathias beamed proudly.
"Oh its nothing ",he stammered nervously.
"I am glad your better mister. Since its been a while your horses stay will not cost you and the drinks are on me. I hope you feel better!"

He called as he handed them their drinks and rush off to deal with the horses.

"Oy there!" Boomed Olaf as they took their seats at the bar." Rory grab your mother would ya. She is going to love this."

    He made his way down to where they sat with an ale in each hand. His red hair unkept and his beard long as ever. His grin was so wide that his cheeks had turned the shade of his hair and his bright blue eyes glistened as he sat the mugs down in front of the two of them.