Page 12 of Ironling
Darrow grinned in good humor. “I can hardly imagine. It seems like we’re always in need of a smith.” Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees and took another long look at Hakon.
For his part, Hakon held very still, reminding himself that he was clean from his journey, wearing his best clothes. The shoulders of his jerkin had been tooled with steel, his arm bands molded to fit only his forearms, and his belt crafted from aneight-stranded braid of silver. His shoulders were broad, his arms thick from the work he’d done over a lifetime. He was a male in his prime, ready to prove himself.
Give me the chance,he urged.Let me show what I can do.
“You have experience at the forge?”
“My clan raises younglings to work the fires. I have worked iron since I was small.”
“You can do all the everyday forging? Nails, horseshoes, the like?”
“Yes, my lord. Easily.”
“But will you want to do them? I’m afraid not every project will be exciting. We go through more horseshoes than swords.”
“If it needs doing, I will do it, my lord.” And, because Orek had said Darrow was a friend and he’d shown good humor, Hakon dared to add, “And to be truthful, I prefer making axes to swords.”
That earned him a smile through the beard. Sitting back in his seat, Darrow chuckled, “A fine axe will get you far in this world.” He nodded once and looked to Orek. “You’ll vouch for him?”
“Of course, my lord.”
“Very well.” Rising from his seat, Darrow descended the three shallow steps and held out his hand to Hakon. “Welcome to Dundúran Castle, Hakon Green-Fist.”
Chest clenching with amazement, Hakon took the lord’s hand and shook it in the way of humans. The lord’s grip was firm, and Hakon returned it, pride having him stand a little taller.
Everything he’d hoped, everything he’d wanted was happening. He could hardly breathe, fearing it would disappear quicker than a spooked deer on a hunt.
“I won’t fail you, my lord.”
Darrow gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Wait until you meet our head blacksmith Fearghas before you make too manypromises,” he laughed.
When he turned to shake hands with Orek, the other halfling said, “There are more wishing for an audience with you, whenever you have the time, my lord.”
“Word certainly has spread,” said Darrow. “I’m glad for it. But next time you come, it’s Aislinn you’ll want. I’m putting her in charge of this—she’ll oversee the suits and decide what can be done.” And, leaning in, he said conspiratorially, “I’m sure between her and Sorcha, they’ll have it all figured out in an afternoon.”
“No doubt,” Orek agreed, his look growing fond at the mention of his mate.
Talk turned to Sorcha and how the latest batch of horses she trained was coming along, but Hakon only half-listened. His attention drew to the mighty arches and wide span of the great hall. A marvel of engineering and workmanship.
This mountain of stones was where his start would begin, and he relished the thought of leaving his mark on such a magnificent place.
He’d been given his chance. Now, he was determined to make a life for himself here, by the strength of his arm and depth of his skill. The life he’d dreamed had just begun.
4
Aislinn hurried down the corridor, annoyed that she was late to the summer council meeting but also dreading having to attend in the first place. Since all the vassals and yeomen had arrived, Aislinn hadn’t known a moment’s peace.
Her skirts swished along the stone floor as Brenna bustled behind. The chatelain muttered unhappily about how late Aislinn was and how this would look as she attempted to stick needless pearl pins into Aislinn’s plain plait.
Stopping before the arched doorway of the council chamber, bracketed by a guard on either side, Aislinn bit her cheek and reminded herself to be understanding. Brenna took the moment to secure a silk ribbon around her waist, as if that would hide the plainness of today’s kirtle.
“Leave it, Brenna,” she said with tried patience. “What I wear is of little consequence to them.”
Brenna frowned back, her face falling into familiar grooves of disapproval. “What the future Liege Darrow wears is ofgreatconsequence. Especially now.”
Now that Aislinn was heiress, she meant.
“When you’re finished here, we still have tomorrow’s banquet to go over and the afternoon entertainments. Earl Starley and Lady Lisbet have each requested different accommodations for the night.”
