The Shattered Dragonslayer

Chapter 14: Justice Through the Eyes of a Predator

It was the first of November, and Demetri had grown far too restless for want of an occupation. If there was one thing Dara was right about, it was he couldn't count on the wealth and hospitality of Alston's family forever, and he wished with all his heart to begin crafting again, somehow. Besides, Fidelma's birthday would arrive in four months, and this time he was resolved to obtain a suitable gift. He started using his visits to the city as opportunities for job hunting – sometimes he insisted embarking on his own. He had hoped to attain an apprenticeship at the smithy's, but alas he had already a dedicated pupil.

"Besides, how are you planning to forge?" Kadan the blacksmith asked him.

"I can improvise," he stated flatly. "I'm an expert at it, actually. I must be to accomplish anything on a day to day basis. Plus, you make a business on metal works, so perhaps we can craft a tool that serves as an extension to my shoulder."

Kadan leaned back on his elbows and eyed him curiously. "That is actually an intriguing idea. But of course, you would have to pay for it."

"I expected to."

"I understand you were a skilled artisan of metal yourself where you came from, but how knowledgeable are you of our style of weaponry?"

"I know that's a Karina blade you were just working on when I entered, a highly respected model that's based off the original sword made by Lady Karina herself for personal use to undo her unsuspecting enemies during the battle of Doon's Bane, which won her recognition as the first female captain of the royal guard. The handle is typically leather for an absurdly comfortable grasp, and the pommel always holds a moonstone since the original designer saw it as a good luck charm. The height must be four feet long and the dull end of the blade have a slanted groove by the edge to aid in agility, but like any dryad make the sharp end has been known to take off a goblin's head in one stroke without losing any speed."

Kadan stared at him with gaping eyes. "Well alright, then. I will let you know when I have an opening. But it will be several months I expect, before my present pupil is equipped enough to start on his own."

"Thank you, sir." Demetri bowed casually, then turned and left. He sat outside the smithy's house, his gaze wandering about the vast nymph civilization. Where to now? I don't know how to do anything else. Alston suggested I branch out, not cling to my first-choice career. Blast, this reeks. He made his way up town, searching back and forth for some lead. I have to find something, no matter how low the pay or the practice is. He approached the bookstore and cocked his head. Hm.

Fidelma was already at the palace when he returned, leaning out on one of the balconies which stretched forth from the sitting room. She was watching multiple roads with anticipation, Bobbin perched snuggly on her shoulder. She stroked her tiny, extremely soft head, making the critter's black button eyes squint peacefully. "Do you suppose I ought to have gone with him after all? He is taking forever, and supper will be ready any minute. What if he's stuck in the middle of town, all alone - what if he's lost?" Her blue eyes bulged. Bobbin chirped and nuzzled her head into her master's neck. Fidelma sighed. "You're right, I'm fretting, and fretting is a poor habit. He would be angry with me if I ran looking for him." She arched over and leaned her chin against the rail, folding her arms underneath her head. A few moments later she heard the bell ringing for supper. She moaned a little, as she straightened herself and walked toward the archway. By chance she turned her head again and spotted him on the middle road. With a squeal she hopped her way through the sitting room, dashed down the stairs and raced out to greet him. "Demetri!" She cried, waving a hand.

"Is...food ready?" He was obviously out of breath.

"Yes, yes you're just in time! How did the job hunt go?"