“Charlaine is a smith,” burst out Danica.
“A smith?”
“Well,” said Charlaine, “I used to be before I joined the order.”
“Where did you learn your trade?” asked Giselle.
“In Malburg. I apprenticed under my father, he was a master sword maker.”
“I didn’t see a smithy here.”
“That’s because it’s in ruins,” offered Cordelia. “This outpost used to belong to the Cunars, but they abandoned it when they built their new commandery in Rizela.”
“Leaving us the scraps?”
“Yes, more or less.”
Giselle’s eyes bore into those of Charlaine. “How good of a smith were you?”
“I was reckoned a master smith, and a member of the guild.”
“I assume that means you were good,” said Giselle, “but I’m afraid I know little of such things. Tell me, were we to rebuild the smithy, could you care for our arms and
