Ch8:Trial and Graduation.

Two months passed, and Archeas found himself fully immersed in the world of forging and casting. Under Harlan's guidance, he had learned to shape metal into various objects, from simple tools to intricate pieces of armor. Each day brought new challenges and discoveries, and Archeas relished the opportunity to hone his skills.

But as much as he enjoyed his work at the smithy, Archeas couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had been gnawing at him for weeks. Despite his newfound proficiency, he couldn't escape the harsh reality of his situation—the limitations of his apprenticeship, the meager pay, and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

As he hammered away at a piece of steel one afternoon, his mind wandered to thoughts of the outside world. He imagined the vast expanses beyond the city walls, filled with untold wonders and adventures waiting to be had.

"Is this all there is?" he wondered aloud, the clanging of metal against metal echoing in the empty forge.

Harlan, who had been watching him work, looked up from his own project. "What do you mean, lad?"

Archeas sighed, setting down his hammer. "I mean, is this what my life is going to be? Working in a forge, day in and day out, with nothing to show for it?"

Harlan frowned, his brow furrowing in concern. "You're young, Archeas. You've got plenty of time ahead of you. Forge work is an honest living, and it's a skill that will serve you well."

"I know, but..." Archeas trailed off, unable to put his feelings into words. He felt restless, trapped by the confines of his current life, yearning for something more.

Harlan placed a hand on his shoulder, a gesture of comfort. "Listen, lad. I know it's tough, but you've got to keep at it. Hard work pays off in the end. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll have your own forge, with apprentices of your own."

Archeas forced a smile, though his heart felt heavy. "Yeah, maybe," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

As the days turned into weeks, Archeas continued his work at the smithy, his thoughts drifting more frequently to the world beyond Inca. He longed for adventure, for the thrill of discovery, for a life less ordinary.

But for now, he remained tethered to the forge, his dreams held at bay by the harsh realities of life.

One day, Archeas mustered the courage to approach Harlan with a request that had been weighing on his heart for weeks.

"Harlan," he began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of apprehension. "I've been thinking a lot lately, and I'd like to see more of the world."

Harlan paused, wiping the sweat from his brow as he looked at the boy he had come to think of as a protégé. "See more of the world, you say? And what brought this on?"

Archeas took a deep breath. "I've learned so much here, and I'm grateful for everything. But there's a whole world out there, and I want to experience it. I want to find out what else I can do, where else I can go."

Harlan frowned, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Lad, the world outside these walls isn't kind. It's filled with dangers and uncertainties. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

"I think I am," Archeas replied, his determination unwavering. "But I need to know that I can make it on my own."

Harlan sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, if you're set on this, there's something you need to prove to me first."

Archeas leaned in, his interest piqued. "What is it?"

Harlan's eyes met his with a steely resolve. "You'll need to forge an iron dagger from scratch, without any help. And you'll have to do it in two hours."

Archeas nodded, a flicker of excitement lighting up his eyes. "I can do that."

"Good," Harlan said, clapping him on the back. "The trial will be in two days. For now, go and rest after work. You'll need your strength."

The following two days were a whirlwind of preparation for Archeas. He practiced every spare moment he had, going over each step of the forging process in his mind. He knew this was his chance to prove himself, not just to Harlan, but to his own doubts and fears.

Finally, the day of the trial arrived. The forge was unusually quiet, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by an air of solemn anticipation. Harlan had set up the workspace with all the necessary tools and materials.

"Alright, lad," Harlan said, his voice carrying a note of encouragement. "Your time starts now."

Archeas took a deep breath and began. He started by heating the iron, watching it closely as it turned red-hot in the furnace. His hands moved with practiced precision, shaping the metal with each strike of the hammer. Sweat dripped down his face, but he kept his focus, every muscle in his body working in unison.

Minutes turned into an hour, and Archeas could feel the weight of the task bearing down on him. But he pressed on, determined to finish what he had started. As the blade took shape, he felt a surge of pride and confidence. He knew he could do this.

Finally, with just minutes to spare, he plunged the blade into the quenching trough, the hiss of steam signaling the end of his task. He pulled the dagger out, its edges sharp and gleaming.

Harlan inspected the dagger closely, turning it over in his hands. After a moment, he looked up at Archeas, a proud smile on his face. "Well done, lad. You've proven yourself today."

Archeas grinned, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Harlan. For everything."

Harlan nodded, his expression serious. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Archeas. The world out there is tough, but I believe you've got what it takes to make it. Just remember what you've learned here."

"I will," Archeas promised. "I won't forget."

That evening, Archeas packed his belongings, including the dagger he had forged. As he left the forge for the last time, he felt a mixture of sadness and excitement. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with the skills and knowledge he had gained.

The next day, as Archeas stood by the caravan, ready to leave Inca, he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The early morning sun cast long shadows on the cobblestone streets, and the air was filled with the promise of new beginnings.

Just as he was about to climb aboard, he heard hurried footsteps behind him. He turned to see Harlan running toward him, his face flushed with exertion.

"Wait a bit, lad!" Harlan called out, waving his arm.

Archeas stepped down from the caravan, a look of surprise on his face. "Harlan? What's wrong?"

Harlan caught his breath and held out a small, but sturdy, blacksmith's hammer. "I almost forgot," he said, panting slightly. "All blacksmiths are required to give hammers to their apprentices as a proof of graduation. It's a tradition, a symbol of the skills you've learned and the journey you've completed."

Archeas took the hammer, its weight familiar and comforting in his hand. "Thank you, Harlan," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll cherish this."

Harlan nodded, his expression serious but warm. "Listen, lad, the world out there is full of challenges. But you've got the skills and the heart to face them. Remember what you've learned here. Trust in your abilities, and you'll find your way."

"I will, Harlan," Archeas replied, gripping the hammer tightly. "I won't let you down."

With a final nod, Harlan stepped back, allowing Archeas to climb back into the caravan. As the horses began to move, Harlan raised his hand in a gesture of farewell. "Safe travels, Archeas. May fortune favor you."

Archeas waved back, feeling a swell of emotion. "Goodbye, Harlan. Thank you for everything."

As the caravan rolled out of Inca, Archeas felt a mix of sadness and excitement. He was leaving behind the familiar, stepping into the unknown with nothing but his skills and a small hammer to remind him of where he had come from.

He looked at the ring on his finger and the hammer in his lap, symbols of his past and his potential future. "This is just the beginning," he thought, determination rising within him. "I'll make something of myself out there. I'll forge my own path."

With Harlan's blessings and the tools of his trade, Archeas set out into the world, ready to face whatever adventures and challenges awaited him.