Page 6 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“So, you’re the only one working here?” This seemed to bother Corbett.

“Aye, right now I am. We do have another journeyman as well as an apprentice,” he told him. “Since work has been slow lately, I gave them some time off. But I assure you, my lord, I will be ready for the tournament should my services be needed.”

“Aye. That’s good.” Corbett nodded, then looked down and fidgeted with fixing the gloves on his hands.

“Is there something else?” Jonathon knew Corbett well enough to realize there was something he was hesitant about asking. Usually, Corbett wasn’t shy about anything, so whatever it was, Jonathon could tell it bothered him greatly.

“My father will need extra guards during the tournament,” said Rook. “You’ve worked for us in the past and we’d like to hire you again.”

“Really?” Jonathon was taken aback. Usually when he served as guard, or even mercenary, it was in the slow times of winter, and only done to make extra money. He didn’t usually take this position in springtime, since business would be picking up again soon. Plus, there was a tournament about to happen. This would prove to be one of his busiest times yet. Still, he couldn’t say no to a noble and it was an honor to be asked at all. “Well, you know I am interested, and thankful that you would even consider me, my lord. However, I must point out that it’ll be a busy time at the forge with everyone arriving for the tournament. Unless your own blacksmith will be handling the brunt of the work, that is.”

“Nay, I’m afraid he won’t. You see, my blacksmith died recently, and I’ve yet to replace him,” explained Corbett.

“Then all more reason I should be here to help out with the work the tournament will bring. I mean, I’m not sure it’s a good idea for me to leave.”

“Nay, you don’t understand. I want to hire you now, not for the tournament only,” said Corbett.

“My lord?” Jonathon looked from one man to the next, not understanding at all what they wanted.

Rook put down the hammer and walked over to him. “You know my twin sister, Raven, don’t you?” he asked.

“Aye, of course, my lord,” said Jonathon, remembering the fetching girl. “I’ve met her once or twice through the years, but I’m not sure she’d remember me since it was only in passing.” Raven was a beauty who had always caught Jonathon’s eye. He also remembered that she was the furthest thing from a lady, and known to be very rebellious in nature. The townsfolk called her a shrew behind her back. But hell if he’d offer up that information right now. “Lady Raven is a lovely girl and admired and respected by all,” he lied through his teeth.

Rook chuckled softly. “Well, I don’t know if I’d go that far, but thank you for your vote of confidence.”

Corbett gave him a nasty look. Rook cleared his throat and refrained from saying more.

Corbett continued, “Jonathon, I’d like to hire you on several accounts, actually.”

“My lord?”

“First, I’d like to employ you as my blacksmith until after the tournament, when I’ll have more time to find and hire a new one.”

“You want me as the castle smith?” he asked in confusion. “I am foremost an armorer, my lord. Surely you know that I’ve grown our business here and that I will soon be a master, opening my own shop. Or at least that is what I hope.”

“This will just be temporary, of course,” said Corbett. “Until after the tournament. You will live at the smithy. There is a room in the back that you can occupy during your stay. That way you’ll be closer when your services are needed during the tournament.”

“Of course,” said Jonathon, trying not to be disrespectful, but less than excited about this opportunity. He’d seen the forge at the castle. It was small and lacked much to be desired. “I’d have to bring along my tools, since I’m not sure your blacksmith possesses the supplies I’m used to having.”

“I’ll provide you with whatever you need,” said Corbett. “That’s not a problem.”

“You’ll have enough people to cover the work here in your absence?” asked Rook.

“I believe so, my lord.” Jonathon started feeling anxious. He had planned on spending this slow time creating his masterpiece to present to the guild masters. It was a project that would determine if he was good enough to become a master and own his own shop. Now, this would put him far behind schedule. The guild masters would be at his door soon. If he wasn’t ready, they wouldn’t return again until next year. This was very disheartening. Still, he couldn’t say no to a nobleman, and wasn’t sure what to do. He supposed he could create his presentation piece at the castle forge, but it would be challenging since it was such a basic shop.

“Then it’s settled,” said Corbett. “You’ll move into the smithy within the castle walls anon. And don’t worry about the pay, I’ll compensate you well. My blacksmith had an apprentice who will be there to help should you need it.”

“Thank you. I don’t mean to sound rude, but I’m used to my own apprentice and journeyman,” he told him.

“Then you are welcome to bring yours over if you’d like. When the tournament starts, things will get busy.” Corbett nodded in finality.

“Thank you, my lord.” Jonathon bowed slightly. “Did you say you wanted to hire me for... another job as well?” he asked, only having heard of the one so far. “Or did you mean you wanted me to act as guard and smith both during the tournament?”

“Well, not exactly,” said Corbett, clearing his throat and glancing over to Rook. “You see, I’d also like to hire you to be my daughter’s guard until the tournament starts. Her personal guard, actually.”

“Pardon me, my lord? Did you say… personal guard?” Jonathon was more confused than ever, and thought mayhap he’d misheard the man.

“The tournament is being held to find a husband for my sister,” explained Rook.