Smithy Business

[Erasmus]

The loud clang of hammer and anvil could be heard ringing throughout the night. Swords, axes, knives, shields, and armor. All were being carefully sculpted for the scrutiny of his master's keen eyes. Erasmus had been forging mass quantities of these things for several weeks now. Working day and night to meet the demand for his craftmanship.
War was coming. He knew it, and so did the rest of Rhy'Din. The smell of blood was in the air...
One last clang and the hiss of hot metal dunked in a vat of water, then silence for several moments. "Master, it is done." Erasmus stated coldly. "The blade that is my finest work, and my life's bane..."
Coming to stand beside his apprentice, the master smith took up the weapon. Closing one eye, he looked down the length of the blade. The closed eye opened wide to match his other one. A look of astonishment and excitement came over the old man's wrinkled visage. "A master blade ye' 'ave forged, my son. A feat tha' 'as nay been accomplished in two 'undred years! I shall step down an' ye' shall 'ave my smithy, Master Forger." The old man bowed his head and offered the heron-marked sword up to Erasmus.
Shaking his head, Erasmus took up his weapon, muttering,"It is a shame I must leave my forge, and enter the fires of war..." With that said he walked out of the smithy and into the winding streets of Rhy'Din.