I stood where one of the assistants had directed me, waiting for what might be my last day in this world. I didn't know what Atal wanted of me, but I did know that his sense of justice was much like that of the ancient world. Punishments were meted out and rewards given by what he seemed to sense was fair.

There were few of the court proceedings after mine, but plenty of business. A number of people approached, seeking permission for this or that. Several wanted to build new buildings, or remove some they owned from the city. One enterprising elf asked to expand the city walls, and I was surprised to say that it was granted, provided he did it himself.

Finally there were reports brought in. Messengers from various regions came to give an accounting on growth and what was going on in their area. It was clear that Atal only really cared much about the villages nearest his city, based on the detail.

Through all of these reports I learned at least a few things. There were imports and exports of all sorts, some it sounded like even going to other nations. As well there was a lot of procedure, some of the people addressing the ruler as 'ancient' as I had, while others called him 'ancestor'. From what I could gather Atal had sired many children over the years, and they themselves had sired many more, going down the generations several times. It was subtle, but there was a clear favoritism going down towards Atal's descendants, enough that some might not even realize it, but it was there.

As time for lunch rolled around I was relieved that things were winding down. Almost all of the petitions were dealt with, and those left seemed to be the ruler's direct subordinates. Without preamble he rose from his throne, turning and heading towards where he'd entered from.

“Come child,” he said as he passed me.

I wanted to bristle as I followed him deeper into his palace, but he might have a point. Perhaps to him I was like a child, not that that would save me if he got mad, but it was of note. If I made it to his age would I consider those my own age children? I honestly didn't know, but I couldn't discount the possibility.

I was led into a small inner garden, where there were laid out several places to sit around a small table. All were empty and my host motioned to one. He sat before I did, clearly marking his status. I noticed that pieces of my work were here as dishes, perhaps he wanted more pottery, or special pieces.

Soon as we sat serving girls came to fill the dishes with fresh fruit, juices, and bits of meat. Like many powerful men in history he surrounded himself with pretty women in scant clothing. My eyes rested for a moment on the one bringing my drink. Her dress was of good quality, but little material, revealing the marks used to measure the time one was kept as a slave, they covered half her body.

“You may have her if you wish,” Atal said, his voice gaining an amused inflection. It appeared he'd noticed my looking.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

The girl let out a tiny whimper before I answered. “No thank you, I have no desire to own another.”

There was a small chuckle as he waved everyone else off, sending them back to the edges of the garden. “You are an interesting one, odd, and useful. You're the one who brought copper to my city, and the best worker of it here.”

“I... thank you ancient,” I responded, maybe he wanted something made of copper.

“Not so long ago I received a knife, one you made.” He looked off into the distance a bit, sighing and smiling. “When I was young I roamed the land, spear in hand, slaying beasts and elves and all who stood against me. I struggled at times, I came close to death more than once, and I loved it. Yet, as I grew in age and power things changed. No longer could I use any spear, as many shattered under my strength, but it was fine, I replaced them with the bones of great beasts. Then those too began to shatter under my grip. Do you know what I desire of you?” he said, a small spark growing in his eyes.

“A spear?” I asked.

“A weapon boy, a weapon. That little knife of yours turned and twisted, but it didn't shatter. Ages I've looked for something I could wield again, ages I've failed to find anything. Give me a weapon, and I will reward you beyond your wildest dreams.” There was a fire in his words as he spoke, and I thought I was seeing the real Atal for a moment.

This man didn't want to be a king, or a ruler, no, he was a warrior. It reminded me of the old movies with the barbarian king, but this one had lost what he loved. For him it was probably a spear or club rather than a sword, but he could no longer fight like he had. Sure, he could rend men apart with his hands, but I imagined that just wasn't the same.

“I'm not sure I have anything right now that would work,” I admitted, not quite knowing just how strong he was.

“I do not need it right now child. A year, ten, a hundred, I can wait, I've already waited so very long,” he answered.

“I'll make something,” I answer carefully. “I doubt it'll work, but seeing how it breaks might give me ideas for the future.”

Finally the old elf seems satisfied to be done with it. The rest of the meal is eaten in silence, me nervously thinking about what I can and should make, him staring off into the distance wistfully. Should I make him something of copper first? Steel maybe? Perhaps it would do best if I made something truly hard to break, finish this up now. There are so many things to consider, and so many projects still going that I can only sigh internally.

As soon as the millennia old monster that owns this city stops looking like a schoolboy thinking about the toy he's getting at the store and releases me I rush back home. There are a few people here and there who look at me odd as I speed walk through the streets, passing everyone as I consider what I need to do.

Chien is at my front door, having a staring contest with the guard left to watch my home. The latter sees me and moves out of the way, satisfied that I'll take care of things.

“Hey boss, what's up?” Chien asks as I make my way to the door.

“We have an order,” I reply.

“Really? From who?”

“Atal,” I announce, causing both my young assistant and the guard to freeze, their eyes growing into dinner plates.

“Shit,” the young man says, hurrying after me as he realized just how important this job was.