He got up and dusted his clothes. He found himself in the streets amidst market shops which were almost deserted. There were only about 2 or 3 shops, other were mostly abandoned stalls. There were quite a few people that were passing by. Most seemed quite poor as they dressed in shabby clothes, although there were some decent people with decent clothes. The road was made of dirt, and the whole town was actually situated on the hilly slopes of Northern Einherjar hills.
Samuel went to the blacksmith which was one of the shops still functioning normally. His stall was tiny, many horseshoes and many other small metallic pieces of equipment were on display, like horse saddle parts, hinges and many useful tools like hammer, chisel, etc tools. The blacksmith seemed busy hammering his newest invention.
“What town is this?”, asked Samuel.
Blacksmith glanced at the Samuel for only a second, and then continued with his work,
“This is the ghost town of Rauda. So I guess you are the unconscious boy, that Mr. Greg carried up here, huh? Quite a commotion, that was!”, said the blacksmith as he struck the hot iron.
The blacksmith seemed quite an old veteran in his job. He looked old but he still was on top condition. His hair was turned grey and he had quite a furry beard but he was partial bald above. He had nice built up a biceps, that could take a ruffian or two, all by himself.
Samuel's face turned grim as he lowered his head with a glum look. He seemed to regret being rude back there.
The blacksmith then asked,
“Are you some kind of a petty thief, kid? If so, you won’t get a penny from my shop! I look old, but I am still in my prime health. Get moving before I..”
“No! I am not a thief!”,replied back, Samuel.
The blacksmith looked at Samuel’s face as he studied his facial expression, then he continued to hammer the hot iron.
“So why else were you kicked out by Mr. Greg then?”, asked the old blacksmith, as he continued to hit the hot piping iron with his hammer.
The hot iron seemed to glisten as the hammer struck over it one by one. The metal clang echoed throughout the ghost town along with the ghostly wind that surrounded the whole town.
Samuel fell in a deep thought.
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The Rauda was small town situated in the northern side of the Einherjar hills. The northern side had not much vegetation, unlike the southern part. This was due to the mines located on the northern side of the hills. The einherjar northern hills were abundant with iron ores. It was once a prosperous lively town, that was filled with many merchants that came to trade iron. Iron is an essential commodity, although it’s not precious as gold or silver, it’s more useful than silver or gold ever could be. Things went well and in the blink of an eye, Rauda town was founded.
But now the mines have run out of ores, they are now abandoned. Also, mining has caused severe pollution. The loose dust after mining has polluted the air and the soil. Many people started to get breathing problems and vegetation also started to die. People still tried to maintain a normal life, until the werewolf started to abduct villagers. Still, somehow some people still live here. Some people are not giving up as they continue to make a living, in this godforsaken town, whereas some are too poor to afford a newer roof to live.
“Hey, old man! Could you tell me where I could find some wild berries?”, asked Samuel.
The blacksmith was taken aback by Samuel’s question as he stared Samuel in confusion. But after a few seconds, he still answered,
“Go down below this old road, you’ll see a small stream, follow down until you find bushes of berries growing alongside.”
“Thank you!” replied back Samuel.
“I am certainly am a good judge of character! I have made weapons for many people and I have seen a lot of people. You seemed to be a person with a good heart! I guess you are trying to make up with Mr. Greg with berries, which seems not a bad idea!”, says the blacksmith with a mild smile.
“How come did you know that!”,asked surprised Samuel.
“As I said I can judge people! These old eyes have seen a lot of things. Just a word of advice, there is wild boar’s strolling near down the woods! I am sure you can make it up with Mr. Greg with that big of a hunt.”, said the blacksmith.
“Sounds like a great idea, but you not suggesting punching the boar to death, do you? I got no weapons on me!”, replied Samuel with a dismay.
The blacksmith put down his hammer and undressed his hand gloves. Then he reaches out below his table, searching for something. Then he takes out a bow from his cabinet.
“Here!”, said the blacksmith as he hands him the bow and dozens of arrows along with it.
“Here is something, that might come in handy.”
“This would be more than just handy! Are you sure to lend a stranger your weapons for free! I might just run away with this bow for myself, you know?!”, said, Samuel, as he touched the bow with his hands, ready to take it.
“I know, you won’t do that. Just get moving already.” said the old man as he shoves the bow to Samuel.
Samuel accepted his courtesy,
“I will return it, later! Thanks, old man.”, thanked Samuel as he ran down the alley in a hurry. The alley connects down the main road where Samuel was headed to.
A smile appears over blacksmith as he watches Samuel.
He then continues back his work. But soon a bunch of weird people walks across the street wearing the exorcist uniform.
The four of them stands right in front of the pub but soon, one of them knocks down the front door.