Taranheim 181

As it turned out, Paul was the old man who had given me his cloak the other night and told me of Paris’ dark mood.

“Oh! It’s you!” I said as we were about to head out of the castle together. “Thank you for giving me your cloak the other night!”

He nodded. “It was an honor.”

Like Paris, Paul was a very tall man and dwarfed me and Terry—and particularly Terry, as he happened to be quite short despite being so strong. At least I would be safe with him!

Around my own waist, Paris gave me permission to carry Terry’s topaz sword in a sheath. I was almost worthless in a fight, but at least I could possibly block a few hits from a sword if we were attacked.

We set out together on horseback and headed into the city.

We dismounted near the stable like before and then I excitedly ran down the cobblestone street with my heels clacking all the way. I had to use my time wisely!

I did something completely out of my comfort zone and visited the blacksmith from before. I asked him, “can I please assist you in making something? It sounds like fun!”

I wanted this man to spread good word about me, but I also genuinely thought his work looked fun. Paul said to me, “My Lady, Paris would not like you lowering yourself and toiling in such heat.”

“But I want to help…” I said bitterly.

The blacksmith grinned and said, “I’m very flattered, My Lady, but I wouldn’t want you toiling either. If you want, you can watch me make a sword.”

I was downtrodden, but I replied, “very well…”

I sat on a stool and watched in fascination as he began ‘edge hammering’ a piece of thick metal and the metal began to compress to the point where it was very thin. After that, he began tempering the blade in a fire pit.

Terry said to me with a yawn after many minutes had past, “why do you find this so fascinating?”

I was mesmerized and I replied, “moths don’t have metal things! This is amazing!”

“My Lady, you give my work too much credit. Although I am very happy to see someone of your station finding my work so wonderful.” The blacksmith replied.

I watched him make the blade unblinkingly, and when he finished he asked curiously after letting me examine the blade, “My Lady, I noticed you are carrying around a blade of your own. Is it because of that ambush you suffered awhile back?”

I nodded. “It is…”

“That blade looks a little heavy for you, My Lady. Male moths only have half the strength of male humans and so I must assume that human males nearly triple the strength of female moths. Would you like me to make you a lighter blade to use?” The blacksmith asked. “Free of charge, of course.”

“I did not know that,” I replied. No wonder we were so easily enslaved; the only thing moths really had on humans, I supposed, was that some of them had powerful magic.

I replied to the blacksmith, “but I like Terry’s sword…”

Terry shrugged. “You can keep it as a memento, I won’t be offended. It’d be good to have the best blade possible to defend yourself with.”

“So long as you don’t mind, I suppose I’d like a lighter sword!” I told the blacksmith cheerfully.

“Why don’t you come back by the end of the day and I’ll have it ready for you?” The blacksmith said kindly.

I replied, “certainly!”

After we left the smithy, I dashed down another street and looked for other interesting shops to visit. I found a shop that made carpets and I popped in and looked at the ones that were on display. I shrieked in excitement when I saw a beautiful yellow carpet with flowers embroidered on it.

The woman running the shop said, “goodness, My Lady! Do you like that carpet? You can have it if you like.”

“I love it! Um…” I already felt guilty about letting the blacksmith make me a sword for free, and I wanted to make friends with this woman, so I took out the bit of spending money Paris had given me and paid for the carpet. “I’ll pay you for it, don’t worry!”

“What’s your name?” I asked the carpet seller as I paid her the appropriate amount for the carpet.

“My name is Tara. It’s good to meet you, My Lady. Nui is faring very well. The business I get here is much better than the business I received in Ironwall, and it is a very homely and comfortable place since you and the king have been working so hard at rebuilding it.” Tara said kindly.

“Thank you, although it is mostly my husband! He’s wonderful and slaves away to keep everyone happy!” I stated cheerfully.

“He was so moody and scary before he married you though, My Lady. I don’t think he’d be doing as good a job without you.” Tara said sweetly.

What amazing news! Both she and the blacksmith liked me very much despite my being a moth!

“Can you show me how to make carpet sometime?” I asked her. “I’d love to know how!”

“Of course, My Lady, you’re welcome here any time.” She said with a grin.