Anwen carried Asena to the ruin that served as their home. She could hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer on the anvil in the room just off their ruin. Asena sqirmed, so Anwen set her down. Asena raced into the extra room. Anwen smiled at her daughter’s enthusiam. Moments later, Asena returned tugging on the hand of her father. Ulric Eames. He had the muscular build typical of those in his profession. His eyes were a pale blue that contrasted with the bright red of his hair. Surprizingly, Asena looked more like her father than she did Anwen. The only trait mother and daughter shared were their emerald green eyes.

“You’re back sooner than expected,” Ulric said.

“A storm gave us extra speed,” Anwen replied.

Ulric nodded and gestured for her to head inside the house. He pushed Asena to follow her mother before going back to his forge. Anwen stoked the fire and began preparing dinner.

“Mama,” Asena says, pulling Anwen’s attention away from her work. “When will you be leaving again?”

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“When my crew gets tired of land,” Anwen replied.

She turned back to her cooking. Moments later, Ulric entered holding a covered object.

“Anne, come I have a gift for you,” he said quietly.

Anwen wiped her hands on the tail of her shirt and made her way to him. He removed the cover and held out a beautiful sword. Anwen took the sword reverently in her hands.

“It is Ulfberht,” he told her. “It is legacy of my ancestors. It is the only one remaining. It will serve you well on the seas.”

“It is beautiful,” Anwen whispered.

She unsheathed the sword. It gleamed in the low light of the fire.

“It is sharpest blade ever forged by my ancestors,” Ulric told her.

“I can see why,” she replied.

She went outside and began swinging it against an invisible enemy.

“It’s perfectly balanced and it fits me perfectly, Ulric,” she said when she was finished testing the blade.

“You like it. I am glad,” he said.

“Mama, teach me how to swing a sword!” Asena demanded.

“You are too small,” Ulric told her. “Bow is what you should start with.”

“Your father is right, Asena,” Anwen replied. “Plus, the bow will build up your strength so you can swing a sword.”

This made Asena pout. Anwen had no doubt her daughter would convince one or both of them to teach her how to swing a sword.