The hidden room behind the library was dimly lit, casting shadows across the faces of Eamon and his sisters. The air was filled with a buzz of anticipation. Eamon had gathered them all for a special reason today. Sitting among the familiar faces was Anwen, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement and nerves. This was the first time she was to be introduced to the circle officially.

Isolde, sitting with her usual poise, eyed Anwen with curiosity. Morwen, on the other hand, looked eager, her fingers tapping lightly on her knee as she glanced between Eamon and their new addition. Elspeth and Ailsa sat close by, both intrigued and open to what Eamon had to say.

"Everyone," Eamon began, his voice calm but firm, "I'd like to introduce you to Anwen. She's been working on establishing trade connections and has shown great promise in strategy and trade. From today on, she's joining our circle."

Anwen nodded, looking at each sister in turn. "It's an honor," she said, her voice steady. "I've heard a lot about what you’ve been doing, and I hope to contribute as much as I can."

Morwen's eyes sparkled with interest. "Another mind for our cause," she said with a smirk. "Welcome to our little rebellion against the norms."

Isolde gave a small, approving nod. "If Eamon trusts you, then so do we," she stated simply. "But be prepared. This isn't just a place for idle talk."

Elspeth offered a warm smile. "Knowledge is a power we're learning to wield," she added. "And it seems you have your own to bring to the table."

Anwen smiled, feeling the warmth of acceptance, but also the weight of the responsibility she was taking on. She knew this was not just a casual gathering but the heart of a budding movement that could reshape their world.

Ailsa, who had been quiet during the introduction, suddenly leaned forward, her eyes shining with a different kind of determination. "Eamon," she said, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "There's something I need to ask you."

Eamon turned to her, his expression shifting to one of concern. "What is it, Ailsa?"

Ailsa hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I want a real sword," she declared. "Not a wooden practice stick. A real, proper sword that I can train with."

The room fell silent. Isolde glanced at Eamon with a raised eyebrow, while Morwen’s eyes widened with surprise. Elspeth bit her lip, as if holding back a comment. Anwen, meanwhile, looked between Ailsa and Eamon, waiting to see how this request would play out.

Eamon sighed, rubbing his temples. "Ailsa, you know it's not that simple," he began. "A swordsmith who would make a custom sword for a princess... especially one who is a woman... it's practically unheard of. And even if we find one, it would raise too many questions."

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Ailsa crossed her arms, a defiant look in her eyes. "But how am I supposed to become a warrior without a proper weapon?" she argued. "You know I'm not content with just sitting around and learning how to dance and embroider. I want to protect this family. I want to be ready for whatever comes."

Eamon opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, Anwen cleared her throat. "If I may," she said, drawing everyone's attention. "I might know someone who could help."

Eamon looked at her, curiosity replacing his initial hesitation. "Who?" he asked.

Anwen shifted slightly in her seat. "In my visits to various blacksmiths in the capital with my father and brothers, I came across a young blacksmith named Caelan. He's the third son of a master blacksmith, but from what I've observed, he's not satisfied with his current station. His father and elder brothers largely ignore him, relegating him to mundane tasks. Yet, I've seen glimpses of his skill when he's allowed to work on something of his own design."

Eamon listened intently, processing this new information. "You believe this Caelan might be willing to craft a sword for Ailsa?" he asked.

Anwen nodded. "If we approach him the right way. He seems like someone who wants to break free from the shadow of his family. If we offer him an opportunity—one that not only challenges his skills but also gives him a chance to prove his worth—he might be inclined to help us."

Morwen leaned forward, a sly smile playing on her lips. "So, the neglected third son, overlooked and underappreciated," she mused. "Sounds like someone who might be quite open to... alternative arrangements."

Isolde nodded thoughtfully. "If Anwen's assessment is correct, this Caelan could be a valuable ally," she said. "But we need to gauge his loyalty carefully. If we bring him into the circle, even indirectly, he needs to be trustworthy."

Elspeth glanced at Ailsa, who was looking at Anwen with a mix of hope and determination. "It sounds like it's worth a try," Elspeth said softly. "But we need to be cautious."

Ailsa's eyes were alight with anticipation. "Then let's do it," she urged. "Let's find out if he's the one who can make this happen."

Eamon raised a hand, signaling for calm. "Hold on," he said. "First, we need to approach him without revealing too much. If he's willing to work with us, we can gauge his skill and his character. Only then will we consider involving him further."

Anwen nodded in agreement. "I can approach him first," she offered. "As a merchant's daughter, it wouldn't be suspicious for me to inquire about his work. I can test the waters, see if he's interested in taking on a private commission."

"Do it discreetly," Eamon instructed. "We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves. If he shows promise and can be trusted, we'll take the next step."

Ailsa’s gaze was fixed on Anwen, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly. "This means a lot to me."

Anwen gave her a small, reassuring smile. "We all have our roles to play," she replied. "If Caelan is the craftsman we need, then we'll find a way to make it happen."

With the plan set in motion, the secret gathering slowly dispersed. Eamon watched as his sisters and Anwen left the hidden room, each carrying their own thoughts and hopes for what lay ahead. He turned to Liora, who had remained silent throughout the conversation.

"Do you think this is the right move?" he asked her quietly.

Liora tilted her head, considering her response. "I think it's a risk," she admitted. "But every ally we've gained so far has come with its own risks. Anwen was right; if we can find a way to include Caelan, he might become a valuable asset. But we must tread carefully."

Eamon nodded, understanding the gravity of what they were attempting. "We will," he said. "We have to be careful with every step we take. The more allies we gather, the more complex this becomes."

He glanced toward the doorway where Ailsa had exited, her determination still lingering in the air. "But if this works," he added, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "Ailsa will finally have her sword."

Liora smiled gently, a hint of warmth in her eyes. "And she will feel like she's one step closer to becoming the warrior she wants to be."

Eamon took a deep breath, the weight of their decisions pressing down on him. They were building something larger than themselves, piece by piece. And now, they were about to bring a new player into their delicate game. All they could do was move forward and hope that their judgment was sound.

"Let's hope Caelan is everything Anwen believes him to be," he murmured. "For all our sakes."