The Gift

Chapter Eleven

 

While Miles didn’t have much trouble finding a job, I wanted to pull my own weight so I braved the chaos of the city streets.  Just down the road I found a blacksmith’s shop and braced myself for the challenge ahead.  “Excuse me, you don’t happen to need a sword-smith apprentice, do you?”  I asked a burly man covered in soot.  “Actually I do, do you know of one with some experience?”   He asked. “You’re looking at her.” I replied.  The burly man gave a deep laugh.  He stopped when he saw the expression on my face.  “You’re serious?”  He asked?  “I am.  I know, I know, I’m a girl.”  I said in response to the confused look he gave me.  “My father was a sword-smith.  I was his apprentice since I was ten.  That was seven years ago.  I know I’m female but I’m willing to work just as hard as any man.”  I stated.  “Why’d you stop working for your father, if you don’t mind me asking?”  “The militia slaughtered my family.”  I said evenly.  A softness came into his eyes.  “All right.  I’m up for a challenge.  Let’s see what you can do.” 

“Name’s Bryan.”  The burly said by way of introduction.  “Lily” I replied, shaking his sooty hand.  “Let’s get you a smock.  This is a messy job.”  “Amen.”  I said.  “I like working with my hands.”  I added.  “Look, Lily, I know that apprentices often stay with their bosses while they learn the trade, but my home is way too crowded and I don’t think you want to live in the shop…do you have another place to go?”  “I do.  Don’t worry about it.  I’m staying my boyfriend.  He’s the new tavern owner.”  “Really?  What happened to old Barkley?”  He asked with some interest.  I chose my words carefully, “he had an unfortunate accident.”  “Huh.  Oh well, never did like that cheating bastard anyway.  He watered down the whiskey.”  He added conspiratorially.  I might have laughed if I hadn’t seen his blood spilled just this morning.  Instead I just nodded my understanding.