Rushing down the streets, Ozlo did his best not to run into anyone while getting back to the forge as fast as possible.
"Burgin, I have something to tell you!" Ozlo practically shouted as he came barreling through the front door to the shop, startling Burgin who was enjoying a sandwich.
Ozlo's master eyed his apprentice up and down, swallowed the food in his mouth and put his meal down on a plate. "Alright boy, out with it. This seems important."
Ozlo, calming himself took a seat across from his Burgin and said. "There's an expedition, and I'm required to go. Boyd brought out this fancy looking noble and he read a decree that sai-" Burgin rose swiftly from his chair and rushed out the door, leaving Ozlo standing there.
Ozlo stood there dumbly for a few minutes when the sounds of shouting reached his ears. "NO SON OF MINE IS- AND YOU CAN TAKE YOUR DAMN EXPEDITION AND-" Ozlo did his best to focus on the voices but they kept drowning each other out. After a few minutes of waiting at the table, Ozlo's master returned with an unhappy look on his face.
"I just spoke to Boyd, and I'm not happy. In fact, no-one seems happy with him. Seems that this whole Civilian Defense Force idea of his is causing some problems. Technically, and only technically, by being a part of this group you are now a man at arms. Meaning you're subject to the general draft."
Burgin said all this while stroking his chin and rummaging around the room, seemingly looking for something in particular and not finding it. "This means I have the rest of the day to get some things sorted. You need a gambeson, some chain, well, probably not chain. You're big but you'll be marching a fair bit. I'll get you a proper weapon later tonight. Hmm..."
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Ozlo sat at the table while Burgin spoke out loud and walked around the forge deep in thought. "Yes, thankfully this part of the year is a bit chilly so the gambeson will keep the cold off of you and won't feel stuffy." Ozlo's master glanced down at his apprentice and slid back into his seat at the table opposite of him.
"Alright boy, this isn't practice, nor is it fun and games. There's going to goblins, wicked little things with teeth as sharp as knives and wit to match. They'll ambush, poison, and otherwise maim anyone who gets near. Territorial little bastards" As Burgin said these things he idly rubbed his left shoulder.
"Ahem, as I was saying. I'll get your gear, you get learned. I was going to give this to you later and have you start studying it on your own time but, here." Burgin reached over to a small bookshelf and pulled a plain book with a simple brown leather cover on the front. It was titled "Monstorium: Common Monsters" and looked faded and weathered from heavy use.
"This used to be mine and I have little need of such things. Besides, I've memorized the relevant bits by now."
Ozlo took the book in his hands and started to open it up when his master stopped him. "No. Don't read around, move onto the spot about goblins and study that. Then read it again, and again. Your life my depend on this and if you have any questions. Ask them now. The dead have no questions boy, remember that."
Burgin grabbed a large sack of coins and shards from beneath the front counter and started out the door. "Remember boy, STUDY! Even if you don't see any combat on this trip, you'll be better prepared for when you do!."
Taking his masters warning to heart, Ozlo cracked open the book, skipped to the first page on goblins and started studying. "This is going to be a long night..."