Backstory 6: Skaxis

When Grynn arrived in Innablith he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of houses he could see on the horizon. Once they were within the city gates, the wagoner recommended an inn that allowed dogs, provided they were reasonably clean. Grynn thanked him, and continued to the weapon’s district. There they could sell the crossbows and daggers they had removed from the thieves. The merchant they sold the crossbows even had a few her father had made. They weren’t ornamented with fancy filigrees or knot-work, but they still fetched the highest price because their quality shown through to any experienced fletcher or archer.

They continued to a blade smith to sell the daggers. Grynn had never seen so many kinds of weapons in all his life. He hastily split the sales with the wagoner and continued to browse, until he spied a pair of swords. Each blade was about the length of his arm, with a gentle curve and a razor sharp edge. The handles were just long enough to allow both hands to apply power, while not so long as to require it.

“I can’t sell you those, at least not those specifically. I learned to make those bastard swords during my travels to the Moonshae Isles. To them, a sword is more than a weapon or tool; it’s a part of you, an extension of your soul. Therefore, you must make your own. That is why I cannot sell you that pair, but I can teach you how to make them.” A dwarf, who stood a head taller than most of his kin, said to Grynn as he turned away from his work. “Me name is Skaxis, and I’m the best blade smith in the city. I happen to be in the market fer a new apprentice, and I’d rather take on one tha cares more about the weapons than the fact their father can afford me. Naturally me price fer training is just as high as me skill, but I wouldn’t cheat and abuse a fine young lad like you, unlike Njoktus ‘cross the road.” Skaxis pointed out the window to a dark featured man who was kicking a young boy for spilling the water he was carrying.

“I’m honored by your offer, and would gladly accept, but why single me out? I’m not even a blacksmith.” Grynn questioned. Skaxis nearly shook the ground with his bellowing chuckle. “That’s exactly why, nobody has trained ya the wrong way to strike hot metal, yet ya certainly have an eye for quality work when ya see it. I’ll make ya a deal. Ya keep yerself well fed and rested, and buy the metal. I’ll sell anything ya make of worth in me shop, keep the lion's-share as tuition, and that should leave ya plenty enough to buy more metal and meals. When yer skill exceeds his,” Skaxis gestured toward Njoktus again, “I’ll show ya how to make the Moonshaean twin swords.” Grynn didn’t need to think twice, he agreed on the condition that they find someone who could train him to use the swords.