Alec was finishing up his allotment of ten unguents for the day when Master Swanson came into the workroom. He laid a set of robes on a stool across the room and walked over to Alec. He waited until Alec had finished the mixture he was on before beginning.

“Tonight, you get to meet the other apprentices of our fair town. Those whose masters make them show, of course. Which is most. Some of the men and women you meet tonight will end up taking over their master’s shops as they age, others will branch off, possibly starting their own businesses. The rest, well, the rest usually fail out and start over as someone else’s problem. We hold this event twice a year to allow you to get to know the people you will be working with in keeping the economy of our town strong and growing. Any questions?” He asked.

“Not really. Is there anyone in particular I should get to know?” Alec was looking forward to tonight. It was an important part of his future plans.

“For our business? Not really, we handle most of our supply needs ourselves and our customers come to us. We are insulated in those regards. It never hurts to make allies among the other merchants though. We have rented out the Salty Salmon for the night. I will lead you there and then meet with the other masters at a different location. I would tell you to behave, as your actions reflect on me, but honestly, I don’t care. The day is yours, just be sure to be here before dusk as it would be embarrassing to arrive at the event without you. Alec assured his master that he would be there, and left to meet Sam.

They were walking toward the blacksmith Alec had gotten his original short sword from. He needed a new weapon, but he didn’t want to spend a lot on it.

“Someone’s following us.” Sam said suddenly. “Take the next corner and then we turn around and wait. If they have an issue with us, I can take care of it.” She patted her mace as she said this. Alec agreed. If someone really was following them, it would be best to meet them out in the open, though she was a bit quick to jump to the idea of violence.

They only had to wait a moment, as a short, dark-haired teenager with a broad frame walked around the corner. Sam immediately stepped behind the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Crap.” Was all he said, as he locked eyes with Alec. He had a surprisingly high voice for a frame so broad. This was all the proof Alec needed that the boy was indeed following them.

“It seems you’ve been following my friend and me.” Alec told the boy. A statement, not a question. “Who are you?”

“My name is Mason.” The shorter boy said quickly. “I’m an apprentice blacksmith. Kevin has us following the new apprentices around today, watching for anything he can use against them.”

“What?” Sam and Alec said in unison.

“Who is Kevin and why would he need to collect information to use against me?” Sam asked, not at all liking the idea that someone was following him to gather information. He needed to find a way to nip this in the bud, and fast. One that didn’t include letting Sam indulge in her newfound bloodlust.

“Not just you.” Mason clarified. “There are three of you that will be new to the group tonight. Kevin likes to control everyone and everything around him. He’s a literal control freak. His father is the owner of the local bank, and Kevin is apprenticing for him and believes himself to be our leader. He also believes that he will replace his father as the leader of the merchant council in the future. He is an absolute ass.” When Mason started talking, it was as if a dam broke, and words poured out. “Oh, that felt really good to say out loud. He wants me to find anything weird or embarrassing about you to help keep you in line. It’s how he keeps everyone quiet while he plays leader.”

“What’s he got on you?” Sam asked. She was way ahead of Alec with that one, and he loved it. Her question prompted an outline of a plan in his head. He needed to keep this power-hungry rich kid off his back. It was an annoyance he did not need.

Mason sighed and his shoulders slumped as he answered.

“My father is a blacksmith. He depends on loans from the bank to purchase his metal supply. He is up on his payments, but only just. We will be able to pay them off once I am far enough along to work on my own, but that’s a ways off. One word from Kevin and his father could call in the loan. That would cause my father to lose his shop. My family’s livelihood.”

“Makes sense. I’m going to look into that story, so if there is anything you’d like to change let me know now.” Sam said as she took her hand off his shoulder and walked over to stand by Alec.

Mason shook his head, clearly frightened of the tall woman. Alec took a second to think.

“Alright, come with us then. No sense in you sneaking along behind us when we all know you’re there.” Alec had made up his mind. This kid seemed harmless enough. He reminded Alec of a shopkeeper just doing his job, even when he didn’t want to.

“Really? You aren’t going to try and scare me off?” Mason asked in shock.

“Like I said, no reason to. This Kevin seems to have you under his thumb, and there is no reason to make things harder on you.”

Alec began walking away. Sam gave Mason a once over before following. Mason stood there for a second, clearly confused. He shook his head and followed behind Sam.

When they arrived at the blacksmith, Alec was prepared to wait for a chance to speak with him, as he was usually busy at the anvil. This time, however, he was sitting at a grindstone, pumping a pedal while sharpening a sword. He stopped when he saw the three approach.

“Master Montrie, how are you today? I’m looking for another sword.” Alec began, not noticing the confused look on the man’s face.

“Afternoon Alec. I wasn’t aware you knew my boy.” The man replied, looking from Alec to Mason.

“Hello father.” Mason mumbled sheepishly.

Alec looked from the burly blacksmith to mason. He could see a resemblance. It would become more pronounced as Mason grew, as he was currently much shorter than his father.

“Nor was I, though now I can see the resemblance. Mason was simply helping me get an idea of what I am stepping into with the apprentice meeting tonight.” Alec didn’t lie exactly, though he wasn’t about to tell Mason’s father that the boy was running errands in order to keep a loan from being called on.

“Haha, I’ll not question it. I’d much rather my boy stuck with you then some of those other apprentices. Bunch of good for nothings. Now, about that sword. I’ve got something you could use, though it would require all three of you helping me until half an hour before dusk.” The man smiled, knowing he had three willing sets of hands to help him ease his days duties.

“Works for me. Sam, Mason?” Alec received a nod from Sam while Mason simply walked past his father and began sharpening the sword his father had been working on.

-----

After several hours of sharpening weapons, pumping bellows, and organizing junk metal to be remelted, Mason’s father presented Alec with a beautiful weapon.

“You’ve done a lot of work for me over the years lad. Unfortunately, for you I mean, my son has recently become my official apprentice. All the work I had you doing is now his to see done. I made this sword for you as a sort of going away gift. It’s nothing special, just a short sword forged from recycled metal, but it was made with you in mind.” He handed the sword to Alec, who was at a loss for words.

Alec held the sword in his hand. He squeezed the firm leather wrapping the hilt. Looking into the blacksmith eyes, he uttered the only words that would come to him.

“Thank you.”

“That means he love it.” Sam interjected. “That is a solid blade if I’ve ever seen one.”

Alec took a second to identify the blade.

// Fine Iron Short Sword

Rarity: Common

Condition: Pristine

Durability: 12/12

Damage Type: Slashing, Stabbing

Damage: 8

Material: Iron

Weight: 2.9 lbs

A short sword made of iron with a cow-leather wrapped handle. This weapon was created with Alec Montaine intended as its wielder.//

“Alright, enough of that. Here is a scabbard for the sword, it’s not new, but I refashioned it a bit to make it a better fit. Mason, get inside and get ready for the meet. You two should get going as well.” Alec took one last look at the blacksmith, nodded to him, and left. After they were a few streets away, he turned to Sam.

“I am going to join you for a dungeon dive. See if you can get us a space for tomorrow.” Alec sent Sam off as he headed home. They usually walked each other home, but Alec was excited to try out his new weapon and wanted to get a spot earlier in the day tomorrow.

He rushed home, got changed, and met his master in the sales room of the shop.

“You ready boy?” His master asked.

“A little nervous to be honest. The banker’s son sent a guy to tail me today. Wanted to find some dirt on me to keep me in line or some such.” Alec told him. He wanted to be as clear and honest as possible in case things went poorly tonight.

“That’d be expected of the little fop. Terrible child, always has been. Fed with a golden spoon his whole life. Don’t worry about getting on his good side unless you want to. His father has no hold over me or mine.” With a nod, Alec opened the door for his master, and followed him down the street. It only took a few moments to arrive at the Salty Salmon, a tavern with a sign of a giant fish being sprinkled with what could only be salt by an underdressed serving girl. They walked in, Alec still following his master. “I’ll be at the Tickled Sheep if you need anything.” And then in a louder, more commanding voice he bellowed, “This is my apprentice. Treat him as you would treat me.” With that, he left Alec to do as he pleased.

Alec took a moment to look around the tavern. Several groups, mixed with both sexes, sat around different tables. He could tell that there was a clear separation from the more labor-oriented apprentices, such as tanners, blacksmiths, and cartwrights and those that eschew physical labor such as vendors, bankers, and shopkeepers. He saw Mason drinking next to a dusky-colored girl with dark hair, deep brown eyes, and small round scars along her forearms. To his other side was a light skinned boy with blonde hair and blue eyes who looked too thin when compared to Mason.

Alec walked to the bar and, after getting the attention of the surly barkeep, ordered a light ale. The man grabbed a clay mug, filled it from a tapped barrel behind the bar, and handed it to Alec.

“First two are free.” He told Alec, before turning to another apprentice.

“If you don’t want the second, I’ll take it.” A pretty girl with long auburn hair said to him, winking at him with one of her chocolate-colored eyes.

“I’m good, thanks.” Alec replied, as he turned away from her. He saw her smile out of the corner of his eye.

“Damn, already got three free ones from that wink. Some boys are easier than others.” She was laughing as Alec walked away from the bar, on his way to sit with Mason’s group at the table. Before he could reach his destination, a fatter boy stepped in his path.

“Alicia’s off limits.” He said in what Alec thought was supposed to be a menacing tone. Instead, it came off as a teenager failing to make his voice deeper as he spoke.

“Who?” Alec asked, expecting the girl at the bar to be Alicia.

“Don’t play dumb with me, kid. I saw you flirting with her at the bar. If you know what’s good for you, that will be the last time you speak to her.” He gave Alec a glare and walked off. Alec watched him leave and turned back to the bar.

“Light or dark?” He asked Alicia, as he stepped up beside her. Her surprise at him returning to the bar obvious by the way her brow rose.

“Um, dark. I never could get used to the taste of the light ale. Too watery.” She replied, regaining her composure.

“Have you tried the wine? Completely different taste to it than ale. I’m half sure the light ale is just the dark watered down.” He ordered a dark ale and turned to face her. Girls like this were trouble. She was pretty, but you could tell she was aware of it by the way she dressed and held herself in order to bring attention to her hips and chest. She bared just enough skin to give an idea without giving too much away, and her clothes were fitted to enhance her form. She wore several pieces of jewelry, including a small diamond that pierced the left side of her pert nose.

“Don’t get me started on tavern wine. The stuff is abhorrent. My father’s wines, now those are a different story. I like a lot of the white wines I take from his cellar, but the darker ones don’t agree with me. You would probably enjoy a white as well. We should have one sometime.” Even her voice was seductive, changing to a low purr near the end. This girl had some serious training. This amount of seduction did not come naturally to a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old girl. Most guys his age would be a puddle on the floor if they were in his place right now.

“That might be enjoyable, though my master keeps me very busy. It would be troubling to find time for such a tryst. Ah, your ale.” Alec took the mug from the barkeep and handed it to her. “We should probably begin with our names though, no?”

“Oh, of course! Alicia Masters, at your service.” Again with the purr.

“Alec Montaine. For whom do you apprentice Miss Masters?” Alec asked, adopting a formal yet flirty speech pattern.

“Oh, I don’t. These things are simply a great way to mingle with the future merchant and laborer classes. Though it is exceedingly rare for anyone to come and speak with me as you have. I tend to toy with the weaker willed boys for fun. They will give a pretty girl the shirt off their back if asked. I have, simply to test it.” She laughed, and even that was attractive. If she wasn’t so full of herself, Alec might actually be interested in her.

“I see. And would one of those boys be the larger gentleman staring at us from the table across the room?.” He motioned toward the guy who had interrupted him on his way to Mason’s table. The boy’s face was red with anger, his forehead creased in irritation.

“Why, yes, he was kind enough to buy me several drinks the last time they held this meet. He hasn’t spoken to me tonight, though I expect he will soon enough.” She replied, ignoring, or maybe simply not noticing, the murderous look on his face. “I haven’t seen you here before, are you new?” She asked, immediately forgetting the fuming boy.

“Yes, I just recently became the formal apprentice of Master Swanson, an alchemist.” He added a bit of respect to his voice when he named his master. A technique he had learned from his father. When someone you regard highly respects someone, you naturally respect them as well.

“Old Master Swanson? I didn’t think he would take another apprentice. Word was that he had all but given up and planned on retiring. He did create wonders in his prime, though.” Alec thought on what she was saying. It made sense, he thought. The state of the building and yard when he first arrived spoke to just that scenario.

“He decided to give it one last go. He can still be quite impressive when he wants to be.”

“That would be something to see. He once spat a merchant who attempted to overcharge him. It was disgusting, yet hilarious.” She laughed as she told this to Alec. Now that he could see. It fit his master’s personality perfectly.

“Well thank you for sharing a drink with me Miss Masters. I have a friend to see to, but we really must do this again.” Alec bowed slightly to the girl.

“Yes, we really must.” She replied. Her cheeks flushing slightly.

Alec turned and headed toward Mason once again. He almost made it when fat boy walked up and pushed him, sending Alec to the floor and spilling his drink. The boy stepped next to him and stood there.

“I told you to leave her alone.” He said through gritted teeth. Alec stood up and looked him in the eye.

“Who are we talking about again?” He asked, sending the boy into an apoplectic rage. Alec ducked as a meaty fist flew into the spot his head had just vacated. He stood up and his right fist shot straight into the center of the enraged boy’s throat. He then stepped around to his opponent’s back and slammed his heel into the leg the teen had the most weight on. The boy went down, gurgling on the floor.

“I don’t remember asking your permission.” Alec said, as he stepped over and took a set next to a wide-eyed Mason. “Is that light ale or dark?” He asked.

“W-what?” Mason stumbled out as a response.

“Your ale. Alicia and I believe the light ale is really just watered down dark. I wanted to get your opinion.”

“Who cares about the ale, you just floored Jacob. You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into. He is very close to Kevin.” Mason was half-panicked.

“Look, Mason, I like you. You are a good guy, but you really need to get your priorities straight.” Alec said as he looked around the table. “Hi, I’m Alec.” He introduced himself to the two other people at the table.

“Very nice to meet you, Alec.” A smooth voice came from behind him. He turned around to see a handsome teenage boy. His skin was pale, and his blonde hair hung just below his ears. His brown eyes met Alec’s, and he felt something missing from the boy’s eyes. Though he was smiling, his eyes were almost lifeless. It was eerie. “I see you have met my friend Jacob. I do apologize for his actions tonight. He seems entirely smitten by Alicia. I can see why, I mean, just look at her. Jacob is not used to being on the receiving end of such feminine charm. It had quite the effect on him. Come, I will host you at my table in way of apology.” He waved toward a table with several attractive girls and a handful of guys. The looks he was getting from the gentleman were less than pleasant, while the girls seemed excited that he had been invited over.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I fear I must decline. I am in the middle of a conversation of a very delicate nature with Mason here. I couldn’t possibly take my leave until I received his opinion on the matter.” Alec replied.

“And that would be the matter of the ale? Do you know who I am?” The boy asked him.

“That would be the one, yes. And no, I do not know who you are, as you haven’t had the decency to introduce yourself since interrupting our conversation.” The room around Alec went still. Everyone’s eyes were on him and the boy standing next to him. The only person making any noise was Jacob, who had finally managed to get himself off the floor and into a sitting position. He just sat there breathing heavily and glaring at Alec.

“How rude of me.” The stranger said sarcastically. “I am Kevin Rocet, of the Rocet Bank.” He let that hang in the air as if waiting for a response.

Alec sat there quietly for a moment.

“I can tell you are expecting something, but I am not quite sure what.” He finally got to see past the veneer of the boy beside him. His face changed into one that promised pain and sorrow. It disappeared as quickly as it came.

“I see. Jacob, come, let us leave these gentlemen and the lady to their conversation.” He returned to his table, Jacob struggling to stand.

When the boy finally managed to walk away from the table, Alec turned to Mason.

“That was fun.” He said to the overly quiet table. “Now, about the ale.”