Kingdom of Refuge

Chapter 4

Stone Vale square was bustling with activity. For two days a month, vendors would travel from around Aldor to sell their goods at the Royal city. It was the only time during the month that such a variety of goods could be found in one place, coming directly from its producers instead of through merchants. The goods were cheaper and of a better quality and people from villages all over the central territory came to the Royal City to see what bargains they could find.

Deswald walked through the square perusing the stalls on his way to Elmer's Inn to meet his old mentor. He was glad that his break between shifts fell around the same time that Sir Drafer was in town, he had not seen him since he had finished his Pledge-ship almost a year and a half ago. He was the reason Deswald had even been considered for the program in the first place, even though he was a year older than most pledges.

He stopped at a blacksmith's stall and picked up one of the blades on display, testing its weight.

"Nice ey" the vendor said, grinning his chipped front teeth.

Deswald nodded, "I love the weight, it is well balanced."

He peered down the length of it and twirled it around his fingers, "very nice. I have never seen a blade like this before."

"Nay sire. This right 'ere is from the outlands. Very rare piece I collected."

"The outlands?" Deswald frowned, he had never heard of the outlands before, he looked down at the blade in his hand, focusing on the intricate design on the wooden handle and the odd quality of the blade itself. He had handled many weapons working with his father and training with Sir Drafer but he had never felt anything like it.

"Aye the outlands," the man replied, "never been, but back in Dravia every now and then some of these outlandish pieces would pop up on the market. I have been keeping this 'ere for some time now but it brings back too many sad memories. I will give you for 10 gold coins."

Deswald looked up at the man, taking in his non-Aldorian features and proud grin. Deswald often got this and it saddened him that non-natives were so eager to see themselves represented among the ranks in direct service to the king, that he was often celebrated and looked up to by people he had never met before. All he had to do was take off his helmet or boldly wear his father's refugee bracelet and people looked at him in awe.

He looked down at his wrist where the leather bracelet sat snugly around his wrist, the blacksmith wore a similar one. His father had worn his bracelet every day since he had arrived as a reminder of what he had endured for the safety of his family and would have continued to endure. Deswald wore it as a reminder of what he longed to accomplish.

"You are from Dravia?" Deswald asked, balancing the blade on his index finger.

The man shook his head, "not really. I was captured and put to work in their mines. I was there for a treacherous five years when I was rescued by a secret group in Dravia. I managed to snag this blade and a few other items from the Dravian soldiers before I left. I spent some time with the people who rescued me and then a few of us got together and escaped to Aldor when tensions started rising between the monarchy and the rebels."

Deswald nodded, "I see. Well I am glad you escaped there. I hear it is a terrible place."

The man nodded, "the worst."

Deswald considered the blade, "I will take it," he finally replied, smiling at the blacksmith.

The man grinned, "excellent, let me get yeh one of my leather cases, it will fit nicely on yeh sword belt."

"That is very thoughtful thank you," Deswald said as the man scurried around behind his stall.

Deswald left the man's stall with questions he had not had when he left the castle to meet Sir Drafer. His confusion must have shown on his face when he finally met Sir Drafer at Elmer's Inn.