Continuation of: Tales of Their Past - The Morning's Calm II
A week after Aegaldred's coming of age a perculiar idea came to Meadwine's mind. It was certain that he had allowed his brother to win their spar, but he rather did admire the craft of his brother's new sword and was even somewhat jealous of it. "A Bard has such a fine weapon, but what of a Rider? Why does he not have a finer weapon that might see true use," He thought to himself. He knew all too well of where his brother's sword had come from, as he was also familiar with the smithy's son Adelferth, but had little relation with him. Meadwine's old sword was forged by Adelferth's father, Hayferth, as was most swords, horse shoes and many other metal things to be found in Grimslade. There was little ever any competition, but there are indeed other smithy's to be found in and about Grimslade.
One day Meadwine went to Hayferth's shop where Adelferth worked, "If you can craft such a fine sword for a bard, then let me see what you can craft for a Rider," He challenged. Adelferth immediately ceased what he was doing and looked at Meadwine in some confusion, "What?" he said in confusion. "Make me a sword," he said, "A fine sword." Adelferth blinked. It was a sudden demand and he had some others to tend to, "For when?" Asked Adelferth in some puzzlement. "As soon as it can be done." Said Meadwine and he walked off with his armour shuffling and ratting, his cloak billowing behind himself. "Meadwine!" Exclaimed Adelferth as he hurried out of the shop with some tools in his hands held high, "Meadwine!" Meadwine halted and looked to him, question written all over his face. "What?" He asked.
"What of my pay?" Questioned Adelferth. Meadwine sighed, "You will have your pay when the job is done. When else?"
"I know that, but how much do you spend?"
"As much as is necessary. It is no ceremonial sword, so do not waste time and metals upon ornations. Just something that I can swing." Meadwine turned and walked away once more.
"But!" Exclaimed Adelferth, still confused by the sudden request, "I have other swords that require making, Meadwine and there is not so much steel in Grimslade of late!" Meadwine kept his back turned and went on, disappearing about the corner. Adelferth slumped his shoulders and shook his head as he returned to the shop to continue what he was busy with.
Continuation: Tales of Their Past - Friends and Axes
