You haul the crate of trinkets and puzzles from the storage shed to the shop. Lord Emig is here for his quarterly order of gifts that he takes with him when he goes to collect taxes from the local estates in the name of his brother. You don’t think the system is very fair. When the tax collector comes, the local lord gets a small gift while those less fortunate get part of their hard work taken away. Well, not really your problem to solve.

“Ferdy, any chance you can spare a couple of days to come with me to Lord Phildro’s estate? He’s been trying to convince a blacksmith to move there ever since old Hammond died, but I was hoping you could come for a day or two to help with some of the more pressing needs.” Lord Emig turns to you as you hand the crate to his attendants. “Hello there, Little Smith, I hope you came up with some more intriguing puzzles. Lady Litz can’t get enough of them.” He turns back to your father. “What do you say, want to tag along?”

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“I’m sorry, I’m not sure I’m up to the task at my age.” He makes a show of messaging his lower back. You know he’s faking it, he might be getting old, but he’s still fit as a fiddle. “How about you take Smithy along with you. They're up to the task and it will do them some good to get out and see a little bit more of our corner of the world.”

Your heart is racing as Lord Emig takes an appraising look at you. You hope that he’ll take your father up on the offer.

After some discussion it’s decided that you will accompany Lord Emig and you rush upstairs to prepare what you need. It doesn’t take you long and you are soon rushing back into the shop. Just as you make it back the door slams open while an out of breath voice exclaims: “Sorry I’m late uncle!”

You stare in horror as you meet eyes with the lordling who looks back at you with a wide grin.

“Oh blight!”