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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Swashbuckler" data-source="post: 1042364" data-attributes="member: 12190">Kal woke with a start.  He'd heard something.Then he heard it again ... the caww caww cawwing of a raven perched on top of the smithy, right outside the doorway to the family dwelling. Morning already. Kal wore much of what he owned in clothing to bed, changing every couple of days or so, just so the stench of the sweat and the forge didn't get too overpowering. He sat up from the cot he called a bed.His father was already up, and had apparently stoked the forge in the last few minutes, since a warm draft issued from underneath the bench (on which sat a heavy chest).  His father, a wise man, had crafted a metal duct-type of contraption that ran from an opening underneath the bench, under the ground about 6 inches down, and right up to the forge itself. It ran the distance of the 25 feet between the home and the forge building. The forge was kept going almost constantly in the fall and winter months, and served both to heat the hovel, as well as provide the necessary catalyst for the forge to operate.They were one of the more fortunate families in town.  The Tyrgens had just made a good trade with the Tolias, a Dornish family that had joined their village many moons back, who were excellent foresters.  They'd gotten a goodly amount of lumber for the forge. In trade they had made several metal braces, some new picks and small handaxes (since the local Legates did not allow for real axes), and dozens of nails which the family needed for shoring up their home against the Fall's chill - especially before the onset of winter.His father did not know about the other trade that Kal had made with Elig (the Tolia's secondboy), one which could get him in a LOT of trouble.  But Kal had needed some special materials that only the foresters could provide, and he'd needed to keep it secret. So he'd fashioned a good, solid knife for Elig.  He didn't ask what it was for, nor did Elig ask what Kal needed the animal hide strips for.  Both knew that the other was up to something, but the only conversation about it they had was in the exchanged wry smiles between the two.Kal was up, and put his boots on. Soon, he was going to have to repair this set - not that they were in bad shape, but that the soles were getting pretty worn.Just then he heard his father calling from the forge, already at work on the day's labors.  Glancing about, he saw that his mother must be out foraging already, because she also wasn't there.  Her usual spot was the fields and sparse woodlands just north of town.  Maybe she'd find some blueberries today - the season was now starting to end for them. Kal loved the small gems of fruit - they were always so full of flavor - unlike much of anything else in his life.He grabbed two hard rolls from the box on the table, and washed the first one down with some water. Water. How long had it been since it had rained ...?  Kal actually remembered the last time, some 7 or 8 years ago. The lands were drying up, and everyone supposed that it was just another way in which the Legates were using to keep people in line.On the short trip outside to the forge, he saw Choric talking with another townsperson. Pausing momentarily, he recognized Elig, who was standing below Choric (who was on the wall). Uh oh ..., he thought. I'd better get over there and start my shift. He had paused too long, however, and suddenly a stream of invective came from the adjacent forge-building, all of it directed at him.  When his father wanted something, he wanted it right then.Nearly tripping as he hurried into the forge, he apologized to his father, and handed him the other roll and waterskin. "Da, I've got to go ... my turn at the watch.""Don't you be late gettin' back, Kal.  There's much to be done." Burn looked about, and then said with an almost palpable fear, "... and don' you be thinkin' that I don' know what you've been up to the last few days, neither. You keep whatever't'is yer makin' well-hidden, son. I'll not have ye endangerin' yer family." His father had been away for a day here and there in the last week, helping the Tolias haul the wood to the smithy.  In that time, Kal had been doing something which, even to this moment, scared him greatly.Kal blanched ... his father knew! "Da ... I would never ... I mean ... I ..." His father made 'shushing' motions with his hands, patting the air between them. Kal straightened after a moment. "Da, you know I'd never do anything to allow harm to come to you and Ma." Another pause. "And yes, they're well-hidden ... not even in town."His father looked at him sternly - then his features softened a little. He spoke very quietly to his son. "Ye just be mindful of what ye'r doin', son. A man will get gutted for such things. I don't know what fool' notion has gotten into your head, but you'd best get it out.  Our forebears of old might have had the wherewithal to stand against the Shadow, but these are different times, and we're not on the winning side.  You keep your wits about yourself, and don' be wastin' no more of my metal. You hear?"His father, at some point in the mini-lecture, had placed his hand upon Kal's shoulder.  Kal drew strength from that small token of affection.  He looked his father in the eyes, and nodded once, curtly.  He hurried out of the forge, then, and made for the barracks.  There wasn't the time to think about his secret any more for the time being.  Once inside, he donned his orange tunic and hoisted his mace.  He headed out to report to Choric.Approaching the two in the early morning chill, Kal spoke his greetings. "Ho and well-met, friends." He also gave a salute to Choric. "Reporting for duty, SIR." He placed the emphasis on that last part more out of jest and flair than any form of disrespect.  Choric may have been his lieutenant, but he was also sometimes a good friend - or, at least, an ear when Kal needed one.OOC:  Ashrem - check your PM's at Against the Shadow. I cannot PM you here.</blockquote>

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