Chapter 42

• On the upcoming fourth birthday of the Crown Prince, General Ril’m was in Merilla City to find the best blacksmith to make the best sword for a child. She would have it sent through an errand boy. It had been almost two years since she last saw His Highness. She had no reason to go to the capital, although she could do it if she wanted. She just kept herself in the north, trying to avoid seeing some specific people—the king, Sui, and the two concubines. For months, the two concubines had sent her gifts, asking for an apology. But she had never returned or answered a word to them. She had no idea what those two were scheming. But Daramir was thoughtful enough to send polite messages for her, just to be on the safe side.
• She spoke with the best blacksmith in Merilla City and gave some details for him to work on. Her eyes quickly scanned the forge’s components—the heating apparatus, vise, workbench, anvil, quenching bucket, hammers, tongs, belt sander or bench grinder, and some safety equipment.
• “Can you do it in time, before the Crown Prince’s birthday this winter?” She wanted to make sure.