Rumors
1152 Words
We did not speak as we walked into the village. Ferron had been deep in thought. I wondered if it had anything to do with me or about the King. He didn’t hide his distaste for the King. I wondered what had made Ferron’s opinion of him so low. It might have been his mother’s opinion now that I think on it. He did say she mourned my parents greatly…
I steal a glance up at him. He didn’t seem to notice. He only starred ahead. The silence was becoming unnerving. I look back at the road. The village was not yet awake and lively, surely, I would be earlier than Mr. Lance expects me to be. I hope Ferron snaps out of his trance when we get there.
I look at the stone building we were approaching. Smoke already escaping the chimney. I knew the forge would already be going. Mr. Lance has been working endlessly. I wish I knew anything about forging to help with the bulk of the work. My dear friend, Angie, Mr. Lance's daughter, says he hardly gets home in time for dinner these days.
Five carts were lined out in front of the smithy. No doubt those were what needed to be filled today. I begin to roll up my sleeves as I walk through the wooden door. I hear the clanging of Mr. Lance's hammer come to an abrupt halt as the bell on the door rang.
Mr. Lance comes around the corner, sweat dripping from his wrinkled face. He was wiping his bald head with a dirty rag. He eyed both me and Ferron with confusion.
“Good morning my Lord.” Mr. Lance bows his head.
Ferron sighs and nods his head at the blacksmith. “Hello, again Mr. Lance.”
Mr. Lance looks at me. “You're very early Lii, I didn’t expect anyone here yet.”
“It looks like we have a lot to do today. What should I get started on?” I look around to see what he has prepped so far.
A large pile of wrapped swords sits by the door. Next to them were rows of individual pieces of armor, in very chaotic order. I can see the blush on Mr. Lance's face. He rubs his temples.
“The swords should be done first. Just go and fill a cart outside with them. Once I get this next batch of swords set, I’ll try to arrange this armor better.” Mr. Lance’s eyes seem to cloud over as he looks at the unorganized mess.
“Um.” Ferron breaks his silence. “Sir I don’t want to meddle in your business…but” Ferron glances at me for a moment then back to Mr. Lance, “Can I please offer you my assistance?”
Mr. Lance is taken by surprise and shakes his head. He thinks for a minute. “It would be a big help my Lord….but you really shouldn’t trouble yourself.”
“It isn’t any trouble at all!” Ferron attempts a smile.
“Okay then.” Mr. Lance hesitates for a moment. “Do you think you could put these armor sets together then into a cart?”
Ferron smiles sincerely this time and gets straight to work on his assigned task.
I feel a small flutter of warmth in my chest as I watch him happily help. But I try not to linger on it too long. I turn to the pile of swords, and one armful at a time I get to work putting them in the carts.
It takes a long for me to fill up a cart with the swords. Ferron was still getting the armor organized when I walked back inside. He didn’t look up at me as I walked by. I caught a glimpse of his expression. He was once again deep in thought.
I jump as Mr. Lance comes clanging through from the back. He is carrying another armful of swords in one arm and a larger quiver holding dozens of arrows. I quickly jog to him and grab ahold of the quiver so he can get a better grip on the swords.
“Thank you Lii.” Mr. Lance sighs thankfully.
I raise my brows at the quiver. “You’re making arrows for King Reilach now?”
“Ah.” Mr. Lance answers halfheartedly. “This isn’t even the full amount he’s asked for. I’m slowly running out of supplies with all this work…” He holds back from ranting.
“How many more bags are there?” I tilt my head, trying not to think of what he needs all these extra weapons for.
“Ten.” Mr. Lance begins to look overwhelmed again. “That’s not even half of what he needs.”
“Why does the King require so much commission from you?” I hear Ferron's voice demand behind me.
I turn to look at him. He is standing with a stoic expression on his face.
Mr. Lance looks nervous. “I can’t be sure my Lord. I’ve only heard rumors…”
“Rumors you say?” Ferron scratches his chin. “I don’t recall hearing anything.”
Mr. Lance looks at me. “Speculation sir.” He looks back to Ferron.
“The King is preparing for war?” Ferron asks shocked. “I thought the continent overseas was content with peace?”
“No sir, not a full-blown war just…”Mr. Lance is as weary as me when it comes to speaking of King Reilach.
“Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Lance.” Ferron smiles. “Don’t speak on things that make you uncomfortable.”
“They ARE just rumors.” The blacksmith insists.
Mr. Lance glances at the door, then scans the room again before leaning closer to both of us. “I’ve heard that there is a secret army being built…a rebellion against the King.”
A small gasp escapes my mouth and I feel my heart rate increase.
“Do you think the King has heard these rumors?” Ferron looks just as shocked as I. “Do you think that’s why he is preparing?”
“I cannot be sure my Lord.” Mr. Lance’s eyes are wide. “But it does make sense considering…”
Mr. Lance’s gaze fell on me. I thought about it for a moment. Surely there were others out there like me. Someone who was torn from their family. Someone who had to mourn their loved ones. Someone else who would crave justice for their entire lives.
Goosebumps form down my arms. War was never the kind of justice I’d imagine. Dragg made sure to let me know the King's word is the law. I was taught to fear the justice I’d crave. But now my hunger for it is much stronger. I keep but feelings of hope secret
- Writer
