Chapter 3

Still early for my appointment, or perhaps late, I thought, glancing at the sun and chuckling, I wandered out of the kitchens into the back courtyard. Several small buildings served the Palace, all surrounded by the Master's neat herb gardens. I was picking some of the nicer ones when I heard the sounds of hammering.

There was a time when I thought I could be a Smith and studied hard and long, adding more than a few scars to the collection already on my hands and arms. Alas, it was not to be. The best that I could do was no better than an average apprentice managed. It is always good to know your limits and apply yourself to what you're really good at. Still, I did so miss the weight of the hammer in my hand... I was drawn to the sounds and smells of the Smithy.