Kyle stared at the image Gray Owls had provided, a curved, ornamental sword with intricate carvings along its blade.
It looked like something a noble would hang on their wall, not wield in battle.
But he knew better.
'This is it.'
He needed a replica.
***
The next day, evening after class.
Kyle slipped out of the academy and went to the best blacksmith in Valtheras City.
The forge glowed orange in the dimming light as Kyle pushed open the heavy wooden door.
The scent of burning coal and hot metal filled his nose.
A burly man with arms like tree trunks looked up from hammering a red-hot blade, his bushy eyebrows furrowing.
"We are closin soon" the blacksmith grunted, wiping sweat from his brow.
Kyle pulled out the image and slid it across the counter. "I need this made. Exact replica."
The blacksmith barely glanced at it before scoffing.
"Decorative crap? I don't waste my time on wall ornaments." He turned back to his work.
Kyle sighed.
