The rhythmic ringing filled the forge. Sparks flew off the glowing metal as the hammer struck, and it slowly formed into Nathaniel’s desired shape. The thin curved plate cooled to a dark grey that shined with the teal glare that arcane metal was known for. With a satisfied smile, Nathaniel threw the plate back into the fire. Hope playfully strained against the wooden lever of the bellows and she giggled with each pump. The metal glowed bright once again, and Nathaniel dunked the fiery steel into the quenching barrel. Flames shot out from the oil causing Hope to stare at it in awe, and Nathaniel pulled out the dirtied black plate. Nathaniel ran a file across the hardened metal, filling the room with a harmonic ringing. The plate was placed onto the side table along with five other similar pieces.

“Master, I’m level eleven now!” Hope cheered as she hugged him. “My [Blacksmithing] reached level five.”

“Well done,” Nathaniel said, “Soon enough you’ll be level thirty like the others.”

“She still has a way to go though.” Bella chuckled as she sat by the door sewing. “By the way, I reached level thirty-three yesterday.” She gave Nathaniel an expectant smile.

“Congratulations.” Nathaniel shook his head while smiling. “Is there anything I can get you.”

Bella tapped her lips. “Well, there is some- oh my!” She gasped as Ralia limped towards the forge.

Ralia was a complete mess. Her skirt was torn at the hem, and she was completely covered in dirt. Several bruises dotted the exposed skin on her arms and legs, and she sported a busted lip. Her hair was bunched up in knots around her neck.

Nathaniel bit his lower lip as he took her in. “What happened?” He gently touched her shoulder, but Ralia hissed in pain.

“You… told me to study how the Champion fights.” Ralia kept her face towards the ground. “I sparred with him during training… and he beat me, effortlessly.” Nathaniel slowly wrapped his arms around her, and Ralia tightly embraced him. Her nails dug into his skin. “I’m not strong enough!”

Nathaniel brushed her cheek and lifted her head. “You will be,” he whispered, “I promise, this armor will let you beat Duncan.” Ralia stared up at him with shining eyes, and he gently kissed her. She tasted of dirt and blood. “I think you should get cleaned up. Bella, can you tend to her wounds?”

“Of course, master.”

Nathaniel tried to pull away, but Ralia kept her hold tight. “Master, I want you tonight.”

“Okay.” Nathaniel smiled at her. “But first, you need to get cleaned up.” Ralia smiled as she let go. “You can join them Hope.” Nathaniel looked to the crimson sky. “I’ll clean up here, then we can have dinner.”

Nathaniel watched as the women disappeared into the castle before returning to the forge. He opened a chest in the corner of the forge and stowed the armor pieces inside. After closing the lid, he ran his thumb over the runes on the lock, and they started to glow a dark violet. Nathaniel ran his hand over the chest as he fought the burning in his chest. His hand flexed into a fist multiple times as he took several deep breaths.

His mind wandered, and he imagined going to the training ground in his power armor. A toothy smile came to his lips as he pictured beating Duncan into a bloody pulp. His hands itched as he continued the fantasy, and the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to give in.

“No.” Nathaniel growled as he continued to take deep breaths. “Stick to the plan.”

A knock came from the forge door. “Nathaniel, are you okay?” Nathaniel stared in awe.

The waning light made Shizuka’s yellow gown come off as gold as it hugged her body. She no longer looked like a child but a proper young woman. Her black hair hung in ringlets and was pulled back in a ponytail. A silver tiara decorated with emeralds and topazes adorned her head.

Nathaniel cleared his throat as he stood up. “Just trying to calm down. I found out Ralia sparred with Duncan.”

“I heard about that, and I wanted to come check in.” Shizuka stepped inside. “How is she?”

“She’s banged up, but I think her pride took the brunt of it.” There was no mirth in Nathaniel’s chuckle. “I really want to go kick Duncan’s ass.”

“Then let’s do it.” Shizuka smiled ruthlessly. “Go get your power armor, and then we jump him.” She groaned when Nathaniel rubbed her head.

“Thanks, Shizuka.” Nathaniel laughed. “But I’m afraid that would be extremely short sighted.”

“You know, it’s okay to get angry Nathaniel.”

“I know, but that doesn’t mean that I should act on it. I don’t want my actions to cause suffering to those I love.”

Shizuka huffed as she crossed her arms. “Are those… slave runes?” She looked down at the chest.

“Yep, I used them to make the first ever biometric lock.”

“What about this one?” Shizuka’s eyes glowed with excitement.

“Durability rune, makes it harder for someone to destroy it.”

“This one!”

“That one will give you a nasty shock if you try to tamper with it.”

“So cool.” Shizuka smiled brightly. “But can’t someone just walk off with it?”

“Nope.” Nathaniel tapped on a trapezoidal rune with the number ten in it. “This rune makes the chest weight ten tons. Not even Duncan could lift this.”

“That’s pretty smart.” Shizuka laughed. “I wouldn’t be able to use magic to lift it.”

Nathaniel led her out of the forge and locked it up. “Do you want to join us for dinner?”

“I’d love to!” Shizuka beamed. “I could use some good company after the day I’ve had.”

“That explains the dress.” The guards eyed them as they entered the castle. “I’ll admit, it looks good on you.”

“T-thanks.” Shizuka twirled her hair. “Ophelia’s mother was a big help. Her advice has made my dates more bearable.”

“When will I meet Prince Charming?”

Shizuka feigned a condescending smirk. “You don’t have much room to talk considering you bought your girlfriends. Talk about a cliché.” She started laughing genuinely, and Nathaniel couldn’t help but join in.

As they moved through the halls, Nathaniel took her in. He was still amazed that it was Shizuka. No longer did she slouch, instead she stood straight with her head held high. A soft smile decorating her face reached up to her eyes.

“I’m glad you’re doing well.” Nathaniel smiled at her.

“Honestly, I haven’t done anything.” Shizuka looked down at the floor. “I’m simply following everyone’s lead. Even this change is because of someone else.”

“Do you feel this is a change you needed?”

“Yes,”

Nathaniel placed a hand on her shoulder. “Then don’t sell yourself short,” he said, “Even if someone showed you how to change, you’re the one acting it out.”

“T-thanks, Nathaniel.” Shizuka turned away. “I’m sorry, but… I’d like to go get cleaned up. I’ll… join you another time.” She quickly ran down the hall before he could say anything.

Nathaniel shook his head with a soft smile. “I forgot how shy she could be.”

----------------------------------------

Nathaniel groaned as he slowly woke. The warmth embracing him would’ve felt nice, if it wasn’t for the pain wracking his entire body. He slowly opened his eyes and flinched at the sight of a blue horn pointed straight at his face. The movement caused Ralia to tighten her death grip and she buried her face in his chest. Nathaniel grunted, desperately trying to free himself. He yelped as Ralia nipped at his chest in her sleep, and her tail constricted around his right leg. Finally, he freed himself from her grasp and he quickly jumped from the bed when Ralia’s hands lashed out. Ralia hugged his pillow tightly and quietly mumbled into it. Nathaniel chuckled at the sight and covered her up in the sheets. Ralia’s grin grew, and she started making out with the pillow.

“I wish I could take a picture.” Nathaniel whispered and gently kissed her cheek.

Nathaniel pulled on his clothes before stepping into the common room. Bella glided around the table, gently setting the plates down. Nathaniel watched her work, but he couldn’t help but notice that she wasn’t smiling. His [Intuition] showed her to be upset.

Nathaniel stepped closer, and Bella smiled at him. “Good morning master,” she said, “Did you sleep well?”

“As well as I could considering my partner.” Nathaniel rolled his shoulders. “I think I’ll need to wear armor to bed though.”

Bella chuckled. “Perhaps a different bedfellow could sooth your pain.” Nathaniel noticed that her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Is something the matter?” Nathaniel placed a hand on her shoulder. “You seem upset about something.”

“I’m simply… jealous.” Bella turned away, but she kept glancing at the mirror tucked in the corner.

“About what?” Bella looked up at him, but their attention was drawn to the servant door opening.

“Morning.” Hope yawned as she stumbled out of the room. “Is breakfast ready?” She scratched her stomach.

“I’m setting everything up now.” Bella quickly stepped away and guided Hope to a chair. “Just give me a few more minutes.”

“Okay.” Hope smiled sleepily. “Mornin’ master.”

“Morning sweetie.” Nathaniel kissed her head. “Did you sleep well?” Hope nodded and rested her head on the back of the chair. Her breathing slowed down. “I think she fell asleep again.” He gently picked Hope up, laid her on the sofa, and covered her with a blanket.

“Then it looks like it will just be the two of us.” Bella whispered as she sat down. “Shizuka said she couldn’t join us this morning. She and the other heroes have an important meeting with the king.”

The two sat down next to each other and quietly ate breakfast. Every so often, Nathaniel noticed Bella smile, but there were times where she would stare at her plate vacantly. He reached over and took her hand which brought her back to reality. Bella tightly took hold, her hand shaking violently, and she smiled warmly at him. After they finished eating, Bella went to work cleaning the table while fixing plates for the other two.

“I’m heading to the forge.” Nathaniel pulled on his coat. “Can you check on Ralia before coming.”

“Of course, master.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Nathaniel enjoyed the silence of the morning, until he ran into the staff. The staff kept their distance from him when he passed, and many simply ignored him. Nathaniel took several deep breaths when he was alone, and a small growl escaped his throat. He ignored the glares of the guards as he passed through the castle’s main entrance and headed towards the forge. He immediately recognized something wasn’t right.

Nathaniel scanned the area around the forge, and his [Intuition] pointed to the window. He had closed the shutters last night, but now, it swayed slightly in the morning breeze. The door was still locked. Nathaniel undid the lock and peeked into the dark forge. Once his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he couldn’t make out any threats waiting for him. He stepped in and his [Intuition] pinned a body laying next to his storage chest. He couldn’t make out the features, but it looked like a child. Nathaniel placed his fingers against the child’s neck and felt a steady heartbeat. With a deep breath, Nathaniel opened the shutters to let in the morning light.

Nathaniel sneered when he noticed the child was a young boy dressed in fine clothing. In the boy’s hand was a charred piece of metal, and the hand showed signs of burning. He flipped the boy over and went out to the well to draw some water. Mumbling under his breath, Nathaniel threw the cold water at him. The boy sputtered and woke up with a start.

“Who are you, and why were you messing with my stuff?” Nathaniel glared at the boy. The boy crossed his arms and glared back. “Fine.” Nathaniel grabbed the boy by the neck and dragged him outside.

“Let me go!” the boy struggled.

“Then tell me what I want to know.” Nathaniel continued approaching the castle door. The boy didn’t answer. “Fine, let’s make a scene in the throne room.”

The boy started struggling again, but he didn’t have the strength to fight back. The guards stared in shock as Nathaniel dragged the boy inside, but they didn’t do anything. If anything, he felt it strange that they were smirking at them.

“Sir, you’re causing a disturbance.” A servant snapped at them.

“I’m trying to return this boy to his family. Do you know him?” Nathaniel shook the boy.

The servant sneered. “No sir, I’ve never seen him before.”

“That’s terrible. To think someone snuck past the guard.” Nathaniel smirked. “We should let the king know.”

The servant gasped, trying to regain his composure. “T-That’s not necessary!” he stuttered.

“I think he deserves to know.” Nathaniel approached the throne room doors and addressed the guards. “I have something important to tell the court. It concerns the challenge.”

“Damn, you’re giving up.” One of the guards snickered. “I wanted to see the Champion kick that dragon-heart around again.”

“Just open up.”

The guards scoffed. “It’s your head, Inventor.” The guards opened the door. The heroes, save for Duncan, stood in front of the throne with a few of the nobles standing on the side. The nobility weren’t happy with his intrusion.

“What is it Inventor?” Rogmier growled as Nathaniel approached.

Nathaniel threw the kid towards the king. “I found him trying to tamper with my work, and no one seems to know who he is.”

“That’s Countess La’ Maire’s son.” Shizuka gasped.

“Boy, did you do what you’re being accused of?” Rogmier said dismissively.

“N-No.” The boy cried. “He started attacking me and then dragged me in here!” The gathered nobles started mumbling under their breath.

Rogmier took a deep breath. “Come now Inventor,” he said, “I understand you’re worried since the Champion bested your slave in training, but this is unbecoming.” Nathaniel couldn’t keep the sneer from his face when the crowd laughed at him.

“I-I can figure this out.” Shizuka stepped forward, shaking violently. “If… I cast Truth Seeker then- “

“No.” Rogmier snapped. “You will not waste your magic on something so trivial.” Shizuka flinched and looked between Nathaniel and the king.

“I-I- “

“Do it Shizuka.” Maria said glaring at the king.

“Lady Ophelia, make the heroes see sense!” Rogmier’s shouts echoed through the hall.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Sire.” Ophelia bowed. “With what’s at stake, any accusation of sabotage must be taken seriously.” She stepped over and stared down at the boy. “Krietsky La’ Maire, this is your one chance to come clean, otherwise, the Archmage will cast the Truth Seeker spell on you.”

Krietsky looked around pleadingly, but he was met with haughty glares. “I… I did.” He sighed in defeat.

“Why did you do it?” Ophelia’s lower lip quivered as she stared at the boy.

“Because he’s a foolish child.” A well-dressed woman along with a short statured guard stepped into the throne room. “Forgive my impudence, Sire.” The woman curtsied. “I heard that this boy was here and I came as quickly as I could. This boy was exiled after his awakening. He must have thought that sabotaging the challenge in your favor would get him reinstated.” Nathaniel didn't need his [Intuition] to tell she was lying.

Krietsky crawled towards the woman. “M-Mother… I- “

The Countess slapped the boy hard. “Don’t come near me!”

Nathaniel and the other heroes stared at her in shock. “That’s your son!” Maria gasped, taking the boy in her arms. “How could you do that?”

“This boy ceased being my son when he awakened to the Potter class.” The Countess scoffed. “Even with the blood of a dwarven warrior, he still awakened to a crafter class.”

“What the hell do all of you have against crafters?” Nathaniel gritted his teeth.

“I’d like to know that as well?” Maria glared at everyone. She turned her gaze to Ophelia. “Why are they acting this way?” Ophelia looked to the floor in shame.

“Lady Saint, not all classes are the same.” Ollimier sighed with a shake of his head. “No one here would deny the value that crafters bring to our society, but they are a class commonly awakened by commoners.”

“My son speaks the truth.” Rogmier stood up staring at them. “Every noble here can trace back their linage to a summoned hero. The honor and responsibility of ensuring their legacy bears down on us.”

“What the king means is that every time the heroes are summoned, the political landscape of Everhall changes.” Ophelia took a deep breath. “The last heroes summoned each became a ruler of Gilbrant, Umvral, Turlen, and Melmaria.”

“Don’t forget what the Guild did during the Great War.” A noble shouted.

“That’s true. How many soldiers died while the crafters were withholding their abilities.” Angry mumbling filled the room.

Nathaniel sighed while rubbing his eyes. “This place is truly messed up.”

“I have to agree with you there.” Shawn scoffed as he looked at all the nobles. “Now I understand why you didn’t want to come back.” Maria and Shizuka nodded in agreement.

“Regardless, this matter is moot.” The king sat down. “Guards, throw the boy out, and Inventor, you should get back to work.”

Nathaniel growled and gave the boy one last look before storming out of the throne room. When he stepped into the foyer, he noticed Bella, Hope, and Ralia approach him. The three of them looked worried but remained quiet as they followed close. When Nathaniel made it back, he immediately got to work.

Nathaniel poured all his frustrations into igniting the forge. It was soothing having the heat burn against his skin. He watched the arcane steel heat up until it glowed a bright red, then he pulled it out to be shaped. Nathaniel lost himself in the cathartic beating of the hot metal. With each strike, he pictured the face of the King, the Countess, and all the other nobles in that court room. Then, Kriestsky’s face came to mind, and his swing lost all momentum.

“That poor boy,” Nathaniel whispered.

“Master.” He looked up to see his slaves staring at him. “Are you alright?”

Nathaniel stuck the metal back into the fire. “What… do you all think of me being a crafter?”

“Where’s this coming from?” Bella sounded scared.

“I just watched an entire room of adults attack a child because he awakened to a crafter class.” Nathaniel set down his hammer and looked at them. “I was aware that the nobility didn’t like crafters, but… to see it given to someone else. It made me sick.” He looked at the floor. “Do… any of you have such feelings?”

Nathaniel went wide eyed when Ralia grabbed his shirt. She then pulled him into a passionate kiss. “Does that answer you question.” She growled when she pulled away.

Nathaniel chuckled. “I guess I asked a stupid question.”

“You did.” Ralia snarled. “The next time you ask that question, I’ll take it a step further.” She released her hold and straightened out his shirt. “Besides, Mother taught me to avoid the weak and foolish which you are neither of.”

“She’s right!” Hope pushed her way in between them. “Don’t let those mean people speak down to you. Let’s show them how great you are.” Nathaniel chuckled at her wicked smile. “I can’t wait to see Ralia kick that mean Champion’s ass.”

Bella knocked Hope on the head. “Watch your language.” She sighed. “Master, I can guarantee you, that none of us look down on you, and that includes the people of Treante too. If anything, we’re grateful for everything you’ve made.” She smiled at him. “Please don’t let these nobles words affect you so.”

“Thanks ladies,” Nathaniel said, “I let myself get distracted and took my eyes off what was truly important.” He rubbed Hope’s head. “You’re right Hope, I need to show these nobles just what I’m capable of. Let’s get to work!”

“Do you mind if I watch?” Gabriella strode into the forge with a soft smile.

“Why?” Nathaniel looked at her suspiciously.

Gabriella carefully kept her distance from him. “I understand your distrust,” she said, “But… I can assure you that not all nobles see you as inferior. Especially when it’s thanks to your weapons that their lands are safe from the Horde.”

Nathaniel eyed her, using [Intuition] to see if she was lying. “That may be true, Lady VuRant, but with what I just saw, it’s hard to believe.”

“Then, I may have something of interest to you.” Gabriella cautiously stepped forward. “You should know, I’m in charge of the betting for this challenge, and currently, many of the nobles are betting against… Ralia.” She turned to the dragon-heart. “Did I pronounce it correctly?”

“Yes,”

Gabriella smiled. “The betting has increased since her sparring match yesterday. The collected gold is quite sizable, enough to set someone up for life should they bet against the Champion.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Nathaniel scratched his chin. “What do you get out of this?”

“Your trust, maybe even a proper relationship.” Gabriella smiled while stopping outside of his reach. “You should know, there’s more to this challenge than what you and the king wagered.”

Nathaniel stared at her in shock. “I need a moment alone with her.” Bella, Hope, and Ralia looked at him in worry, but they slowly left the forge. When they were alone, Nathaniel took a deep breath and stepped closer to Gabriella. “What do you mean?” he whispered.

“The King presented terms to Lady Ophelia as well.” Gabriella whispered into his ear. “Should Ralia lose, then she will marry into the royal family as the second wife to either the King or the Prince. Ralia will be given to the Saint as a bodyguard, and Bella will be given to the Archmage. Hope… will be sold to the Gilbrant Academy.”

“The King presented terms to Lady Ophelia as well.” Gabriella whispered into his ear. “Should Ralia lose, then she will marry into the royal family as the second wife to either the King or the Prince. Ralia will be given to the Saint as a bodyguard, and Bella will be given to the Archmage. Hope… will be sold to the Gilbrant Academy.”

Nathaniel yelled and slammed his hammer against the anvil. “I won’t let that happen!” Gabriella yelped and covered her ears. Nathaniel stood their fuming at the revelation. “I won’t let that asshole get his hands on those three.” He stared into the fire and watched the wood break apart. “And why wouldn’t Ophelia tell me about it?”

“Rumor has it that Lady Ophelia is jealous of your slaves. I’m sure that the king found this out and is using this challenge against her. After all, that’s the kind of man he is.” Gabriella moved in front of him while keeping the anvil between them. “For decades, he utilized my family’s abilities to keep himself one step ahead of his enemies, but he’s always done everything in his power to keep us from achieving any true power in court. Even now, he’s using the Horde to keep us weak.”

“Why,”

Gabriella sighed and revealed her menu to Nathaniel. “My family often awakens to intelligence-based classes. My father awakened to the Strategist class while I awakened to the Spymaster.” She took a deep breath and brushed a lock of hair back into place. “We’re useful to have around during times of war, but we aren’t sycophants. My father and the King have gotten in plenty of fights over the years, one of them being on how to deploy you heroes.”

“So, you’re wanting to use me to get back at the king?”

“No, at least not in the way you’re thinking,” Gabriella replied, “The writings on the wall Inventor. If we were at peace then Rogmier may have been seen as a decent king, but we’re not. He’s appointed his son to lead the army, and the Prince has lost more battles than he’s won. Rather than allow the heroes to build their own parties, he’s made them form a singular party, and it has been a complete disaster.” She sighed heavily as she rubbed her forehead. “He’s a terrible king, and it’s only a matter of time before Gilbrant crumbles. I can’t let that happen to my father, or my people. That’s why I’m turning to you.”

Nathaniel’s [Intuition] couldn’t pick up any lies. “I understand.” He nodded. “Thanks for the information, but I still need time before I can trust you.”

“Of course.” She curtsied. “May I… call you by your name Inventor? You may do the same for me as well.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Excellent, hopefully this is the start of a wonderful relationship.” Gabriella smiled as she headed to the door.

“Gabriella.” She stopped and turned back to him. “What do I need to do to join this betting pool?”

“Simply tell me the amount you wish to bet,” she said, “I’ll have a contracted drafted for you to sign later.”

“Fifteen platinum pieces on Ralia.”

“You should know that the odds are against her.” Gabriella chuckled. “However, that doesn’t account for any enhancements she may receive from her equipment.”

“Then make it twenty on Ralia.”

Gabriella laughed. “Very well, I’ll bring you the contract tonight to sign.”

Nathaniel watched her leave, then turned back to the forge. Pulling out the glowing metal, he began pounding it into shape. His anger fueled the hammered, and a smile came to his lips as the metal took the shape he desired.

“Master, how did everything go?” He looked up as the women returned.

“Terrible,” he said, “The thing Gabriella told me enraged me.” Nathaniel continued pounding the metal. “I had half a mind to destroy this entire castle with my power armor.”

“What’s stopping you?”

“You are.” His words shook them. “If I destroyed this place, then the entire kingdom would be after us. We wouldn’t be able to go home.” Ringing continued to fill the air. “We wouldn’t be able to have any peace. I don’t want you three to suffer because I couldn’t control my temper.” With a final swing, the metal had taken its final shape, and he threw it back into the fire. “So, I’ll use this anger to build. Not just this armor for Ralia, but something greater, something more powerful than all the heroes combined.”

“Isn’t that what the power armor is for?” Bella looked confused.

“The power armor was for me.” He quenched the flaming metal causing fire to spit out of the barrel. He pulled out the breastplate and set it on the anvil, then turned to the women. “It was built so that I could stand with the other heroes, and now that it’s finished, I need to move onto something else.” He turned to the three of them. “You don’t get to level one hundred without carrying any burdens, and I now have three new ones to bear.”

“So… what do you plan to do?” Ralia smirked.

“First, You’re going to kick Duncan’s ass.” Nathaniel smiled back. “Then, I’ll build us a home in which you three are no longer slaves.” He headed towards the window and stared up at the white palace. His rage returning as he remembered Gabriella’s words. “I’m not going to let this kingdom walk all over us ever again.”