Chapter 28: The Dwarven Blacksmith

Delwyn pushed the doors of the Broken Reaver open. It was a rough and inhospitable tavern in the poor district. Mercenaries and dark guild members alike met there despite Greye’s attempts to make the area safer.

She approached the bar and sat beside a gruff dwarf donned in simple, thick clothing. “Drinking alone again, Gloribrean?”

The man grunted and downed a tankard of ale. “It’s all I’m good for nowadays.” He looked at the woman who addressed him and estimated her size with a wolfish grin. “Well, I could always try again. I've heard that women prefer lighter and more form-fitting armor to gain more mobility. What do you think?”

Delwyn lightly chuckled. “The last blacksmith that tried to make such shameless armor for me ended up visiting a healer after I broke his nose with his own tongs.” Gloribrean visibly flinched. “No, you’ll be negotiating with Vito. He has a far better proposal for you than seeing me in shameless armor.”

Vito sat on Gloribrean’s other side. “I’ve heard that Lord Renaudin destroyed your reputation and livelihood.” He placed coins on the bar and raised his hand to order another drink.

Gloribrean downed another tankard and glared at him. “What of it?”

Vito matched his angered look. “Renaudin ordered his men to murder my father, and he seeks to end the rest of my family. I have a plan to bring about his downfall, and Delwyn says that you have the skills I need to make that happen.”

Gloribrean’s eyes widened with surprise. He then turned away and looked at the empty tankards. “I’m sorry son, I am.” Vito ordered another drink for him. “I heard about the accusations being laid at the Silver Oak’s feet. Should have known it was Renaudin.” He downed the third drink faster than the other two. “He’s endangered my wife and daughters, too.” He turned to face Vito, a fire lit in his eyes. “If this pays well enough, I’ll help. I just need a forge, tools, and materials.”

Vito handed him a small chest of gold coins and jewels. “The owners of the Hiyrophant Forge have already agreed to let you work there. We’ll discuss this further when we arrive.”

Gloribrean secured the chest in a pouch hanging from his side. Given the small size of the pouch, Vito concluded that it had the same magical properties as Iris’s treasure bags. “It’ll be nice to get back to work and get even with that wretched lord.”

Vito, Iris, and Delwyn escorted Gloribrean to the Hiyrophant Forge smithy. Vito used his spare key and let everyone inside. While Delwyn awakened the light stones, Gloribrean went to work, lighting the forge and taking stock of the equipment and materials he had to work with. “A fine forge. I hate to admit it, but it’s in better shape than mine.”

“For now. If you work with us, I’ll ensure your continued employment,” Vito promised him as he set his plans for the rifle on a nearby table. Vito reproduced a M1903 Springfield, something that he knew could be built with Rhavina’s current level of technology.

Gloribrean looked over his plans with great interest. “We’ll see how this contract goes before I sign with the Silver Oak Guild.”

“It’s not registered yet, but I’m founding the DeCapio Famiglia. The Silver Oak Guild is going into hiding until Renaudin and his ilk are dealt with,” Vito clarified.

“Hmm! Clever.” Gloribrean finished reading the plans. “Almost as clever as this rifle of yours. This spyglass alone is far sharper than anything I’ve seen.”

“Can you make it to these exact specifications?”

“Of course! All of this is very precise work, mind you. It will take me some time, about three or four days,” Gloribrean replied.

“Still…” He considered the plans again. “If this works as you say, to release small metal projectiles at such great speeds and over such great distances, few could be considered safe.”

“I have no intention of using it so recklessly. Renaudins must fall before he burns my family to ash. I’ll store the rifle away once he is buried,” Vito promised him.

Gloribrean nodded. “Good. I appreciate your consideration. I’ve met too many arrogant warriors who never consider that their weapons could bring harm to the innocent.” Iris was likewise pleased with his response.

Vito retrieved a bundle of the magic-resistent arrows from Iris’s treasure bag. “Please melt these down to create the bullets.”

Gloribrean accepted them and nodded. “Simple enough.” He then pointed to a section of the plans. “This powder of yours, for your bullets, is outside of my expertise. You will need an alchemist to complete it.”

Iris looked over his plans. “I could make this.”

Vito was surprised. “You’re an alchemist?”

She gave him a clever, foxlike grin. “There is more to me than you realize, Vito,” she boasted. “I can make as much of this…gunpowder…as you require. The church has the necessary materials, and I’m permitted to take as much as I require for emergency situations.”

“Okay, you escort our alchemist to her church. I’ll meet with our people in those safe houses to see if they learned anything new. If there’s trouble, I’ll escort them back home,” Delwyn announced.

“Alright. Be careful. Come find us if there’s trouble,” Vito told her.

Delwyn chuckled. “I’ll be fine, but it’s cute to see you worry about me. It’s almost like you think you’re stronger.”

Vito smirked. “Hey, it’s the boss’s job to worry about his people.”

Delwyn planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you. I’ll be fine.” She walked toward the door and looked over her shoulder once she pushed it open. “If I do get into trouble, I’ll run right to you, boss.”

Iris took Vito’s hand and led him outside. “Come. The hour is late, and nefarious souls are hunting you.”

“The armor-clad kind, miss?” Gloribrean teased her. “A woman with a big sword, who would look very alluring in shamelessly revealing armor?”

Iris scoffed and dragged Vito out of the smithy. He pulled back a moment, startling her. “Wait,” he said. Vito gently pulled her hood over her head. “Let’s avoid the main road and keep ourselves covered until we get there, just in case.”

She smiled and nodded. “Good idea,” she went to Vito’s side and took his arm. “Lead the way, good sir.” Iris snuggled extra close to him, causing butterflies to flap in his stomach.