Haven Keep (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

had no right to know about the alloy or the cave.
    Berkler stared Von down.  Von shrunk under the gaze, wished he could leave, just turn and go, ensure his secret stayed safe, but Berkler was a master blacksmith and demanded respect.  Von was not in a position to talk back to him or refuse to answer his questions.
    “I’m going to watch you, make sure you’re not being sloppy.”
    Von sighed and Berkler’s eyes narrowed.
    Von couldn’t argue. It was supposed to be a privilege to have a master blacksmith watch you, critique you.  If Von was honest with himself, one of the reasons he was so talented was Berkler’s unreasonable interest in him. For some reason Von felt less than privileged.  He turned and began working again.  With Berkler watching, Von was uncomfortable.  He continued to work with flawless technique, but his excitement was gone, the power that filled him no longer there.  Missing.  It left a void, one Von couldn’t fill.  He wasn’t sure he wanted it back, not with Berkler standing behind him.  He fought the urge to look over his shoulder, see what Berkler was doing.
    Hours passed and Berkler became agitated.  He began to criticize Von, analyzing his every hammer stroke.
    “More power in your strike.
    “No, not that much. Use a larger hammer.
    “Heat the blade again.
    “Your fire is getting too cold.
    “Work the bellows more evenly.  Smooth motions.
    “Turn the blade. More of an angle.
    “Fold the metal again.”
    The berating continued through the afternoon until the blade was finally complete.  Von quenched the dagger in the oil barrel and held it up.  Berkler snatched it from his grip.
    The man turned the weapon over in his hands.  Von knew Berkler was admiring the work.
    “A fine blade, but you still have much to learn.  We will do this again, and soon.”  He gave the dagger back to Von.
    Von watched Berkler leave.   At least the afternoon wasn’t an entire waste.  Two daggers nearly complete.  They only needed hilts and leather wrappings.  That shouldn’t be too hard.  Harvest Celebration was still days away.
    He wondered about that strange feeling, the mysterious growing power.  Where had it come from?  Why did it leave? The feeling was not new to him.  It came to him often when he worked, but never so powerfully. He turned the dagger over in his hands, much like Berkler had, and examined it.  The weapon was flawless, like its’ twin that sat on the shelf.  Von laid the new dagger down carefully next to the first, studied them both for a moment.
    He set his hammer on the anvil with a weary sigh and started cleaning up the shop.  It was going to be a late night.  He still needed to muck out the stables.  Berkler sure knew how to ruin a day.

Chapter Three
     
    Wellen arose early, wishing once again Baiden would have been willing to send someone else, someone younger.  He did not enjoy sleeping away from home and last night was a particularly restless one.  Still, it was better than the previous nights spent on the long boat.  Four weeks on the road was not easy on an old man’s bones, so he was glad that he could finally see an end in sight.
    Jaramen, the Halfen clan cleric, had been more than accommodating.  The room Jaramen provided was easily large enough for a small family.  Currently Wellen was the only occupant.
    The wash water was cold from sitting all night on the bed stand, but was clean and helped clear Wellen’s head.  He would need a sharp mind to convince Chief Cray to listen to reason.  Wellen had come to the Halfen last.  He knew with the strength of the other six clans now behind Baiden, Cray would be more likely to fall in line.  Often the clan chiefs were not easy to win over.  The fact Wellen had already secured the support of the other six was the only reason Wellen even bothered to come here at all.  Cray would be the most difficult by far. 
    The Halfen were a mixed breed.  Generations ago they consisted of escaped slaves