6.

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The village Plenty looked more like a small town than a village. There was 7 feet tall stone wall surrounding it, with one gate in the direction of the forest we were coming from and another towards the mountains. We were stopped before entering to pay small toll for entering. Also, we were asked to give guards our weapons, those on cart included, before gaining entry to town. When taking weapons identifying dead villagers, they also took their respective clothes as sets. Only thing allowed in were daggers and small knives for self defence.

Plenty’s protectors wore hauberks, with metal shield and sword strapped to their backs. Later on I learned they had different equipment from our protectors, because had higher status and more experience than Lomar and others.

After they had a brief conversation with our protectors, we were let through with wishes luck. We were asked to give them our weapons, those on cart included, before gaining entry to town. I asked what that was about and Lomar was happy to answer, his attitude towards me completely different than before.

Apparently there were many new people in town, looking for accommodation and jobs. As we lost a few people, out village needed more people. So, it was a chance to recruit some of the newcomers. I also asked him about dwarves I could see here and there, walking on the streets.

“I thought you would know this as a dwarf. This is last human settlement before Harsh North. These mountains are serving as a border, but also they are home to one of dvergverds. This one is one of more friendly, named Rasgar Hold. People of Plenty are living of the trade with dwarves, as they provide ore and expertise, as well as protection in case of unpredicted disaster.”

Protection? And what about bandits?

“But Vars said that these parts are infested with bandits, we were also attacked by them on the road. Couldn’t dwarves help with hunting them down?”

Lomar looked at me like I was dumb child.

“Rob, are you sure you weren’t hit on the head during the attack? Why would they want to help us? “

Wasn’t the answer obvious?

“Aren’t bandits harmful for the trade?”

Apparently not. He responded with a tone of teacher, lecturing very slow child.

“Yes, to OUR, human trade. Not dwarven. In fact they get more profit thanks to the bandits around here, because there is always need for their ore and weapons. And if they want to sell something further from here? They use their Portals.”

Portals, hmm? That was a word which really piqued my interest. Every game which had a big world should have means of instant transportation, right? But I decided to ask about it later, because he was already looking at me as if I were halfwit.

Our group was supposed to meet at the same gate we came in from at dawn of the next day. That meant that I needed to find job, as well as place to sleep. I also remembered to go to the temple to swear myself to god. First of all, homever, I prioritized job. Mayor of Lumber told me that temples were open all day and night, so if only thing I wanted to do was swearing myself, than I could do so whenever I wanted.

Plenty was about 2 sizes bigger than Lumber. Houses were clustered together, making it more crowded and lively, and the main street was bigger, allowing more traffic. It really felt like town out of RPG game. There were stalls on street, selling food, as well as things I didn’t recognize. Above the doors to some houses were signs advertising their trade. And, I could see a few smithies around. Yes, I could already imagine myself, creating a weapon capable of killing dragons and demons. If they existed in this game.

I asked Lomar, before we split, who was the best forge master in town, and he said that I should go straight from the gate, until I saw “Lars’s shop”. But, he also told me not to bother going there, because Lars never took any disciple. AHA! That must have been quest of some kind. Or at least I had to have required stats to be able to learn from that guy. Perfect.

The smithy was near the town’s square, it was average building, with chimney and big red letters above the door saying places name. When I entered I felt heat of forge, and saw huge silhouette standing near anvil, banging with precision on a hot, red metal. The interior was made mostly of workshop, with small door leading further, probably to storage. I didn’t want to interrupt the man during his work, so I resolved myself to wait for him to finish, when he spoke.

“I have no time BANG! work so if you BANG! order something, then BANG! If you want something BANG! just speak up.”

He didn’t shout, so I could only hear bits of what he said. But it was fairly obvious I had to explain the purpose of my visit.

“I WANT TO BECOME YOUR APPRENTICE! SIR!”

Polite shouting. I guess it’s a thing in such a circumstances. Lars’s shoulders stiffened when he heard me, and he stopped his swing in mid-air. He carefully took the blade(?) he was making, and put it into large forge nearby. Then he turned to face me, and started examining me. He was older than I thought, I could see his hair go gray here and there, where soot didn’t mask them. But his eyes were sharp as steel, I was wondering whether stronger NPC had some skill letting them identify others.

After brief examination, he started asking me questions.

“Ok, dwarf, as with everyone, first you must tell me your statistics in the field of strength, wisdom and agility. Also, I need to know your skills associated with my craft. That’s the first test. You fail that, and that’s it. I will never consider making you a disciple again.”

Wha-?? Isn’t that absurd??? It’s a game, right? So I should be told something like you don’t meet requirements YET, so come back later. My thought’s were interrupted by Lars, my expression must have betrayed me.

“Surprised? Look, I respect people who know their strengths and weaknesses. If you don’t have at least 30 points in strength, agility and intelligence, and you come here, you are simply wasting my and your time. Also, prospecting is necessary in this trade, but I think that won’t be a problem as you are a dwarf, after all.”

30 in all of those? I could already see my hopes of being master smith go down the drain. I had 50 points randomly put between all seven stats, so even if I had money to check them in temple, i had no chance of having met the requirements. I was dejected, and wanted to leave after thanking him, but he stopped me on my way.

“Okay wait. Actually the first condition to become my disciple was to be a dwarf, so just wait a second.”

“Aren’t there dwarfs all around this town?”

“Yes, and if one of them wants to be a forge master, he takes dwarven master. I may be best blacksmith in this town, but I am no dwarf, and your kind are best in the world. You must be new around here, not to know that?”

“Yes, I am from Lumber.”

“Lumber? There are dwarves living there?”

“No, I… well I was travelling here and there, and settled in Lumber temporarily. Then I heard about your village, and decided it was time to learn smithing.”

Uhhh, that wasn’t really convincing story. But he didn’t seem to mind it.

“Ok, look, as long as you are not a thief and have at least 30 points in strength I can make you my apprentice.”

Yes!!! That was it! I must have met a hidden condition or something, and luckily I had a chance! Yes, it was highly unlikely that out of my randomized 50 points 30 were put in strength, but I must have got at least one level up from the fight with the bandits. But I had no money to check it. So my expression went sour again.

“Is there any other way than temple, to check my statistics? I have no money on me at the moment.”

“No money? You were robbed or something? And how are you going to stay in town with no money?”

Lars was incredulous. Well, it was embarrassing, but I had no excuse. If I told I was robbed now, it would sound kind of bleak. He must have really wanted dwarf apprentice, because he said he would lend me money for temple check, if I swore on my ancestors to return back. I thought it wasn’t big deal, I mean, these were just words, and I really wanted this chance. After giving me money bag with 50 silvers counted, we shook hands.

“Ok, I think you have what it takes, but I want myself to know what I am dealing with. So, come back fast, …?”

Oh right! I still haven’t introduced myself.

“Rob, my name is Rob. I hope to be learning from you in a bit, teacher Lars!”

And with that I went out, almost jumping from glee in the direction of the nearest temple. Which was just around the corner, a simple building from granite and no windows, except one, in the ceiling. The light from outside was focused on a statue of an average sized man, in blacksmiths apron, wielding a hammer and a chisel. God of crafting, Regbet.

I went to the statue, and as instructed by mayor I spoke loudly that I wanted to commit all my work in his name. And nothing happened. Wondering whether I did something wrong, I asked the nearest caretaker about it.

“Excuse me, I wanted to swear myself to Regbet, did I do something wrong?”

He laughed quietly, and answered.

“No, everything you did was fine. Did you expect some reaction from god? There are many people who commit their work to Regbet, the first crafter, and gods don’t have to manifest their power to each and every one of them. When you check your status, you will see you have been sworn successfully, unless you already had another god as your protector.”

Well that explained it. Still, I was disappointed, game developers could have made something flashier. I asked the man about checking my stats, and he said to follow him. We went behind the statue, where was a small room with a blank stone stele inside. He asked me for payment, and after ascertaining there were 50 silver, he made a simple pushing gesture towards the stele. I could feel something like a wind moving from his hand, after which a small circular spot on the stone started to glow.

He told me I just had to put my finger on the spot, and I could see the information. After these words, he left me alone, this information was my private business it seemed. With no hesitation, I went forward to learn about my status.