He didn’t have the eyes of someone who wanted to change the world but the look of a man who knew he will. No doubt, no room for question. A wave of cold sweat washed over Ogi when he held the boy’s eyes. It didn’t matter if he was after a page in the history book or the whole book. He wasn’t eager. He didn’t rush in childish excitement. He was an avalanche, and the best thing one could do was to get out of his way.

“It seems of all curses that could have led you here, you’ve got the worst one, boy.”

“And which curse is that?”

“Ambition.”

“Just give him more coin.” - Niko said

“I don’t think the blacksmith is about the coin, brother.”

“We’re asking for a sword, not your daughter’s hand in marriage.” - Niko pressed on.

Jassen and Ogi looked at each other while the blacksmith was giving him his last chance to walk away. The man held an unblinking gaze that showed no intention of doing that, and his companions didn’t try to discourage him either.

“And you three will follow him to a sure death?”

“What’s better than dying for a dream, blacksmith?” - the archer said.

“Since when have mercenaries started fighting for things other than money.”

“We’re mercenaries, yes. But we want to be more.” - she answered and smiled.

“The sword is yours if you’re hellbent on wasting your life.” - Ogi said after a moment’s pause - “But on one condition?”

“Anything.”

“I’ll come with you to the city.”

“My band is already full. I have no need of more companions.”

“And I’m not looking to be one, but you’re about to waste a very good piece of steel. I plan on taking it back when you drop it. Plus, that place has become a burial ground for good weaponry throughout the years. I’ll see what I can salvage.”

“Stay with your family, Ogi. It’s not a place for a craftsman where we’re going.” - Olena said.

“The blacksmith’s life is a lonely one, don’t you worry. This is the only condition on which I’m giving you the weapon.”

Jassen offered his hand, and Ogi took it in his. He had a firm grip, the blacksmith thought. It was a hand that held many sword hilts and would probably wield the one on the table better than most other men. But to beat that thing, he’d need more than a good grip and a hard swing.

“Come here tomorrow morning. I’ll find you a scabbard and a holster for your horse.”

“Get them ready today. We’ll leave at sunset.”

“But we won’t reach the next inn with light left in the day.”

“We don’t intend to. We’ll rest on the road when we tire.”

“This is insane. You want to travel at night?”

“I agreed to your terms. You agree with mine. See you in a few hours!” - he said with half a smile, and all four of them disappeared into the busy streets.

The crashing sound of hammers and bargaining rushed at Ogi, drowning him in the chaos of the street. It seemed like the world had stopped a moment before, and nothing but the sword mattered. He chased away a couple of clients and picked up the tools he was just preparing to use.