"Focus boy, you'll only get one chance to strike while the iron is hot!" Ozlo positioned himself carefully in front of the metal while Burgin kept a firm grasp using the tongs. "When I say when, hit it, right in the center, don't be afraid to use some force" Nodding in the affirmation, Ozlo placed the brand against the hot metal plate and gave it a firm smack.
Burgin eyed the metal for a good minute before speaking out loud. "Aye lad, good job. Let's quench it and make sure the mark is even and true." While Burgin carried the hot metal over to the barrel full of oil, Ozlo took a few moments to contemplate the last week. "I've been... Well. Busy. Every day Burgin is trying to teach me something new or trying to get me to figure something out. I just feel exhausted more than anything, I should tell Burgin th"-
Interrupting Ozlo yet again, Burgin called out to Ozlo. "Boy. Stop dawdling and hand me my hammer. The day has just begun". Sighing to himself, Ozlo went to fetch his masters hammer. "Yes Burgin."
The rest of the day passed in this fashion. Burgin ordering Ozlo around the forge and Ozlo learning what he could from his master. Peaceful, that is, until an unsuspected visitor came knocking at the door.
"THUMP, THUMP, THUMP" Burgin, in the middle of clearing things away for the night gestured to Ozlo. "Go see what that racket is. And be polite, this is a business after all".
Hastening himself to obey his masters command, Ozlo goes to the door and opens it for the visitor.
Standing at the door is a young man dressed in fine clothing and adorned with a variety of jewelry. "Ahem. Hello" The man says.
Unsure of how to respond, Ozlo, hand still on the door, merely says. "Hello". A few awkward moments pass until Ozlo seems to realize that he should probably invite this person in. "Uh, come in."
The man looks at Ozlo and slowly crosses the threshold, only to be stopped by Ozlo's master. "Jordan. I told you no."
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
An uneasy look flits across the mans face before he starts to plead with master Burgin. "Please, PLEASE! There's no time. You're the only one I can trust and-"
Stifling his pleas with a wave of his hand, Burgin gestures towards the door. "Leave. I have no-one to watch the boy and he can't be trusted to run the forge while I'm gone."
"I- If that's the case, then I'll find a replacement. And you'll be paid handsomely of course. Twice what we agreed upon!"
A hard look comes across Burgins face and he starts to head towards the man, stopping in his tracks when the man says "double".
Rubbing his chin Burgin slows his pace and turns around, leaving his back to the visitor. "Alright. Come on. I'm in a good mood."
Not one to be told twice, Jordan rushes forth, practically on Burgins heels. "Thank you kind sir! THANK YOU! Without you I'm not sure whe-"
Burgin waves him off and gestures towards the table for everyone to sit. "Alright, tell me the specifics. You need a blade and let me guess. Mithril."
Jordan stands up straighter in the chair and states. "Yes, Lord Charles, Fifth of his name, Baron of these great lands requires a-"
Once again stymying his speech, Burgin holds up a hand and gestures to Ozlo. "The boy. He'll help. He's a good lad but that doesn't mean I trust him enough not to piss into the wind. So give me the details."
Jordan puffs himself up once more, preparing for what is likely another long winded speech when Burgin waves his hand, gesturing for him to stop. "The RELEVANT details. I don't care bout Baron what's-it. How much, how long, what needs made, any special marks, and what material."
Deflating, Jordan pulls out a thin scroll of parchment and hands it to Burgin. "Here, the details. And ignore the pay listed there, I'll assure you it's double what's posted and-"
Interrupting Jordan, Burgin states "And I'll make sure I get that in writing".
Looking offended, Jordan stands up and looks as though he'll challenge Burgin for besmirching his good honor. However, taking a second look at the breadth of the man and the look on his face, Jordan quickly sits back down capitulates. "Ahem, yes of course, of course sir. I'll get that in writing."
"Good. See that you do. Now leave, me and the boy need to have some words. Understood?"
Looking as though he can't possibly get out of there fast enough, Jordan rushes out the door without so much as a goodbye.
Only once Burgin is sure that he's left, does Burgin relax. "Alright boy, we need to talk."