"The trick lies in meticulous control over the temperature " Einer said through cough " and metal propotions "
Einer Ashford had offered River a tour to his workshop and armory which he readily accepted . They left a very distraught Wolfram behind with Kaizer in his office , giving them privacy to discuss their matters.
Emby wanted to join them. When Kaizer answered no, he started throwing a tantrum in a very five year old fashion until Kaizer dismissed him with a "Do whatever you want , dont make trouble for your uncle "
He was now obediantly strolling beside Einer clutching his bony hand. River had offered to carry him multiple times, mortivated purely by his desire to hold the precious bundle. But he shook his head and shied away from this odd older brother.
When River first started reading books in Arcton Library to pass his time in house arrest , he started with classical fictions. He did not enjoyed them. Then he turned to romance . They were worse.
He started reading history and politics and got hooked. But soon River found himself running out of history books to read.
Thats when he discovered a dusty, original hand written volume of "Illustrated catalogue of weaponry "
abandoned on a bottom shelf. River flipped through the yellowed, dog eared pages of detailed hand drawn pictures.
River would give anything to go through that book again for the first time.
Being in house arrest , he was never taught any swordsmanship or matial skills. So weapons were only a distant concept to him until then. But the inked pages of that book ignited a passion in him that would burn through years and years to come .
He ran his fingers on the labelled diagrams, feeling the author's love and passion for the swords and daggers and spears through the pages.
When he was done marvelling over it, he found another ,thick book by the same author named "Art of warcraft"
The book was about battle strategy and formation. It went in to depths about hand to hand combat, long range attacks and then to utilizing naval and infantry forces in a war. Needless to say, it widened River's horizon's a great deal.
Over the years he continued to gobble up every book written by Einar Ashford. "How not to do a war ; examples from history " was his personal favourite , the strategy book with comical commentry from author has he pointed out every rookie mistake in previous generation's wars. There is also "Build your own sword " which got him in to actually forging his first dagger out of an obsedian block.
He never knew who Einar Ashford was. River actually assumed him to be a dead author. But he worshipped his work and likewise idolized the man for his bottomless wisdom about the battlefield.
So when River met him in Kaizer Schulz office earlier he felt as if he was going to pass out in excitement. The man he had believed to be a literary legend of the past was alive ! And he was going to show him his workroom!
I must have spent an entire life's worth of luck for this! Luck well spent!
"Im glad to meet someone who is also passionate about this field " Einar grinned at River, eyes sparkling " No one around here appreciate my work"
Master ! Take me as your deciple !
"Wolfy is a healer, Kai doesnt wield a weapon , Emby is too young" he ruffled the boy's head lovingly. He then sighed dramatically "Emby , grow up soon ,will ya ? So uncle can make you a sword "
The child nodded vigorously " Okie"
When River learned that Einar was Kaizer Schulz's advicer and childhood friend , his whole world view refocused. No wander everyone hesistated to mess with West. This man was the brains behind West's inpenetrable military forces.
They reached another grand ebony doors. Einar looked this and that way but no one was around. He turned to River apologetically.
"Ill have to trouble this gentleman " he handed him a golden key "The door is too heavy for me "
Im honored ! I will not wash this hand for a year !
River fumbled with the key, his hands shaking with unrestrained excitement . The door clicked and he pushed it open.
Heaven ! Im in heaven !
Inside the colossal hall, a gleaming array of weaponry adorned the shelves—swords, daggers, arrows, and crossbows , each meticulously arranged in perfect harmony. As River surveyed display, his vision blurred with tears of bliss.
The air within hall carried the heavy scent of oiled metal, a testament to the care invested in the arsenal.
"Here is my humble little collection " Einer grinned in pride , dramatically pointing at the ceiling high racks .
"Emby ,dont touch anything " he adviced the young boy " Your mother will kill me if you injure yourself"
He lead River through each shelf , explaining their contents with passion. Some of the wepons were from other kingdoms ,gifted to West. Another large portion of it was Einer 's family heirlooms .
"They say the ancestor from my mother's side was a god gifted swordsmith" he took a bejeweled dagger out of a shelf and handed it to River for inspection "We've been doing this for hundreds of years "
He then sighed heavily . The jut of his throat rolled as if he was swallowing down his emotions " It's shame that this craftmanship would die with me "
Einar then guided him to the back of the hall , which served the purpose of a workroom. Much like River's own poor excuse of a working space this also looked like a tornado went through it.
"I apologize for the sorry state of this place " he chuckled , clumsily putting things away out of sight .
Dont , I feel you.
"Im so glad that I got to meet you " he coughed .
" pleasure is mine " River bowed in deep respect.
Einer looked at him with a fond smile " I might sound presumptuous but if you are interested, join me in my work ?"
River tilted his head .
My ears have gone bad .
"Only if you like " Einer waved his hands around awkwardly. "A ... I dont know..if you are staying for a while ..and you want to learn ...a ..a"
"You..are willing to teach me ?"
Einar chuckled "Only if you are willing . I see that you have a talent and a keen eye to match your passion."
He looked around his workroom , his eyes moist with emotions. "This is .. my everything . And I couldnt find anyone who felt suitable to teach it to. My body is not what it used to be and I cant bear the thought of this art dying with me "
He sighed " Consider this a favour you do to me ? I have a feeling that you would -"
River fell to his knees ,ignoring metal scraps biting in to his flesh. Einer almost jumped back in surprise .
"Please take me as your deciple !!" He begged , tears running down his face .
"You are as dramatic as Wolfy" Einer laughed ,but wiped the corner of his brown eyes. "Please get up"
"Emby!"
They both turned their heads to the direction the sound came . It was the shrill voice of a woman ,accompanied by the click clack of heels stomping on marble floor.
Soon the figure of a tall woman appeared at the entrance to the workroom. Her visage was twisted in worry and fury as her dark eyes darted around the apocalyptic room before they fell on Emby . He had found Einer 's inkpad and was quietly sitting in a corner ,entertaining himself with it.
"Emby!" The woman shrieked and picked up the child off the floor , getting small ink handprints on her silk gown in the process.
"Narin " Einar smiled , looking mighty uncomfortable.
"How many times should I tell you before you understand !" She yelled , her lovely face going red in anger " Dont bring my child in to the armory!"
She was beautiful , as expected of the Western queen. She had dark black hair and black eyes. River thought she looked somewhat like a young , better looking Mireya Huxley.
"Emby wanted to -"
" He is a child !" She pulled a tiny ink smeared hand away from Emby's mouth just in time before it went in . "You are the adult ! What will happen if he injures himself on one these "
She accusingly gestured at the workroom.
Einer shrank away from the angry woman , his pale face going beet red in either humilation or surpressed anger.
"Please stay away from my child !" She hissed "You can barely take care of yourself ! "
With that she turned on her heels and stormed out of the room.
Auther has something to say
River is living his best life out here .
Please comment your ideas and vote !!!
Author ran out of ideas for foot note . If any of you has any prompts , please let me know
Ember Schulz