Finding for the truth

chapter 7: the blacksmith

they were happy beyond the words. now all they need to do is find the Blacksmith and show the letter. they considered it easy but were taken aback when they realized the aisle of shops were ranging to a long distance. but at least they were safe now, they convinced themselves. it didn't take for them long as they expected. they quickly recognized the shop when they saw iron tools and weapons hanging in the shop.

there stood a man hammering an iron sword. they approached the man and greeted.

"Hello sir, if you don't mind can I ask you a question?"

He faced them now. He looked around Sophia's age but a-bit old yet strong and healthy. He had a thin moustache with no beard.

"Yes sure," he spoke calmer than he looked.

"Do you know Sophia?" Ella asked.

"Yes, of course, I am her cousin, Louis". He felt excited to start up a conversation. Then he pulled two chairs and asked them to sit. Kate pulled out the letter from her basket and handed over the letter.

He tugged his mind into the letter and read it in anticipation leaving behind his work. After a big gap of silence, he finally looked away from the letter.

"It had been long since I received a letter. You came to the right place for warmth and sheather. I will take good care of you". He got up from his seat and started to rearrange things at his shop. "Come now. Let's go home". He took the lantern in his hand and walked out of the shop and they followed. He closed his shop and walked past his house letting Kate and Ella follow.

***

they sat on a sofa congested. there was only one sofa in the whole house. and that too wasn't big enough for two. as for them, they were thin enough to fit in it. Louis started to apologies, "sorry for the inconvenience. I don't usually receive guests. that's the only furniture I have".

"it's ok". Olivia smiled.

"Please, wait. I will get some supper". Louis requested and left for the kitchen.

kate got up in his absence to take a tour of his room. his house was clean, neat and tidy. most importantly it was organized. the room had three portraits. two of them as far as kate could recognize it was his family's portraits. Sophia was there in one of the family portraits. she was a teenager then in the portrait. but one of them was different. it was a circle made by two treacherous creature; perhaps dragons, and it was painted in two different colours. one was coloured orangish-yellow while the other was coloured black. but in the circle stood a man. he was painted so small that it was hard to tell what was he carrying? but he did wear a woven hat which covered his face and a blue robe. yet he looked mysterious under that hat. 

kate felt that it bothered her a lot. but why? anyway, she shifted back to the sofa as soon as they heard his footsteps coming towards the room they were seated. Louis carried a tray filled with light food and some tea. as he lacked furniture in his room he sat on the bed and placed the tray on a coffee table. kate and Ella ate selfishly to fill their hunger. the room was silent the only sound could be heard was the chewing of food. the only time they got to start up a conversation was in tea time. kate decided to ask him about the painting as he was pouring tea for Ella.

"Uncle Louis, what is that painting about? over there," she pointed.

"this..would you like to know about it?" he sounded mysterious now.

kate simply nodded implying a reply. 

"The painting is called 'universal balance', you see the two dragons; they symbolise two powerful leaders that existed a century ago. one had the power to light up and the other had the power to spread darkness. the two always fought with each other until one day when a child was born. the child had a special power which was stronger than theirs. each one of them wanted him for their victory sake. but the boy had other plans. he abandoned them and took away their powers and united them. that's why he stands in the middle. he is the reason we live in peace now. when the boy lived the universe was in peace until now. the corruption started when he disappeared. soon after sometimes I fear that the reign will start again. krepton had already conquered many areas in the west and melody is no exception. the time is coming. but who will stop?" Louis looked sad now. " but I sill hang it. because it reminds me if peace and togetherness".

"But how did krepton get the power when the boy already took away?"  kate asked.

"some say that the power descends through the royal blood; when the boy took away the power it descended to the next generation. but one thing confuses everyone; how did Krepton get that power when the leader of darkness was a viper?" Louis was now in deep thought.

"how do you know all these?" Ella asked now.

"it's because I love legends. that's why I collect information about them". he felt a bit embarrassed.

"who was the one with fire?" Kate asked curiously.

"he was a human". he said. "now, enough blabbering. you both look tired. you need some sleep to continue your journey to pillinex". he started to pill up the plate and cups and left blowing out the lantern and leaving behind a dim candle.

"pillinex?" kate asked Ella.

"maybe aunt Sophia doesn't want anyone to know". 

"now I know why I shot a ball of fire at the forest. I am the descendant of the leader who had firepower". kate said.

"But we still need to know more from him. it seems he is a good source f information for us". Ella said. "we better sleep now. (she yawned) I am so sleepy".

they lie on his bed and went off to sweet dreams.

TO BE CONTINUED...