The iron sizzled and radiated heat as Zach drew the soon to be sword from the forge. Setting the metal on the large anvil, he picked his cross pein hammer up in a strong grip and struck the cooling weapon repeatedly. The sound of ringing metal reverberated up Zach’s arms and through his body, sending chills down his back. With every strike Zach could see in his mind’s eye the metal resonating with energy. He knew that with every strike, that energy would fold and align to make the metal even stronger. 

“More heat?” Avery asked. 

“Use ten second bursts” Zach said, nodding in assent. The strong wind gusts that Avery poured into the forge caused the flames to surge and change color from the normal red and yellow to a hotter blue and white hew. Zach slid the iron back into the flames and looked at Avery.

Avery’s frail body often left him subject to jokes but his expert control over the winds left most people quite literally eating his dust. 

“How did the testing go?” Zach asked.

“It went well, Turned out I’m a second generation spark, Ciroono and Tinrith.” Avery said with pride. 

“That’s good to hear. What did the instructor say about your ability?” Zach asked. Following with a strike on the metal.

“He said that my power was well developed considering my age and that I have potential to be a very powerful Caster in the future.” Avery responded.

“When do you leave?” Zach asked Avery.

“A week from tomorrow,” Avery said with a tinge of sadness in his voice. Zach pulled the metal out of the heat and worked on it, folding it and drawing out the metal.

“That’s good, did he say anything about the academy? Where you’ll be staying or what classes you will have?” Zach asked.

“No, not really. He only said that I will need a weapon of choice and a change of clothes,” Avery said.

“Oh, well I'm sure they will provide the rest of the necessary materials you will need for your education.” Zach said.

“I’m hoping so, I don’t want to dip into any of my savings for books,” Avery said.

“You know I'm going to miss you being my apprentice, right?” Zach said. He slid the metal back in the flames and he gave a pat on Avery’s shoulder.

“I know, but my ability could be used more effectively in the Guard than in a blacksmith.” Avery said, he increased the pressure behind his wind and looked at Zach, “what you have taught me here, i will never forget. I am glad, thank you Zach.”

Before Zach could respond there was a tap at the front table. Both of them looked to the front table and saw Lieutenant Avner Seax standing there. His Graying hair was cut short and he had on his Guard’s man uniform on.

“Zach, I have a request for you.” Avner said.

“What kind of request?” Zach asked.

“A classified one,” Avern said. 

“Avery, why don’t you go to the market and buy some ingredients for supper?” Zach prompted. 

Once Avery had left the shop, Zach motioned Avner to enter.   

”This envelope should have all the information you would need to complete my request.” Avner said, handing him a slip of paper.

Zach looked at the envelope and started in surprise. It had the seal of the royal family on it. Zach broke the seal to open the envelope, and he read it aloud.