chapter 19
After that wonderful experience, it relieved me of all the stress caused by the upcoming tourney. My performance in the barracks even saw an improvement proving once and for all that those boxers from my past life preaching about going celibate before matches to improve performance were all talking bullcrap.
I eat another nutritious breakfast for my growing body Ned also comes to eat no doubt very hungry after being so busy for so long
“Father”
“Ed”
“I was thinking about getting myself some armor I wanted to get it before the tourney to look even more valiant and dashing but it looks like I will have to settle for just dashing”
“Armor is not an accessory to make you pretty!”
“Don´t be so serious all the time Father it kills the mood”
“Mood? Stop with these games… If you want a good piece of armor go to Tobho´s Mott and take some guards with you”
“Tobho´s Mott? Fine York, find the guards that know the way”
Walking along the city during the busy day making small talk with the people who looked at me with trepidation at first to ease their nerves about offending a lord. Even though I can tell some rowdy elements are creeping into the city with the tourney almost afoot.
Until I arrive at the place a simple-looking workshop nothing special if you judge purely based on its structure but it´s not the building I´m here for but the blacksmith´s.
After getting in the entrance of the building I see an old bald man walking out of the forge “What can I do for yo- Stark?... Again I won´t answer any more questions please leave.”
“Questions? I have a lot of questions! Where did your hair go old man? did it fade away with your manners? Question your foot grandma! I am not here for questions I am here to buy armor”
His face goes pale with fury and as he is about to snap a loud laugh interrupts him from within the forge.
“Hmmp my apprentice will take your measurements and fit you for the armor. You finish growing yet boy?”
My eyebrows twitch from that word being used “No unlike your hair my body still has some growing to do.”
“Tch Gendry! Help me with his measurements since he´s still growing we´ll only make a helmet, forearm guard, thigh guard, crotch guard and shin guard.
Hearing the word fitting after what happened recently I start daydreaming about those events as my eyes are turned to the forge where a tall man with black hair comes in with a serious face and anything that might have been stirring in my body just died a dog's death.
“If you are still growing as you say only the helmet will last you throughout your life so we will make the rest with pure practicality in mind.”
Thinking what he says makes sense I start looking around the forge at all the helmets in it to look for inspiration I see a helmet with a bull's horn while it is not my style I appreciate the theatricality and craftsmanship.
“Is that helmet practical or just a decoration?” I decide to ask
“Oh, that is the finest helmet in the forge sturdy. curved steel, perfectly balanced weight.”
As Mott heaps praise on the creation I see the giant of an apprentice blush like a little schoolgirl so I ask him
“Did you create it?”
“Yes m´lord, But it is not for sale.”
“Haha it is not my style but I appreciate your eye for theatrically while what I want is not quite as flashy I´d like you to design it” and start to explain to him a design that is similar to a spartan helmet. “And I´d like it if you put your flair into making this helmet look intimidating”
“Gladly m´lord it will be ready for you after the tourney”
Mott approaches me “Please remove your tool belt”
It's not a tool belt but a weapons belt I think to myself but I don't mind the misunderstanding since I´m only carrying the axe on it today.
So I release the belt buckle and put my belt on the table with the axe as he takes a closer look at it exclaims.
“This axe what is it made of?”
“The handle is ma-”
“I know of wierwood trees boy! The metal, what is the metal made of?” He snapped at me
“I don´t know.” As he goes to examine it, I pull it back out from his reach
“Wait! you don´t understand boy I´ve learned to smith in the Free City of Qohor I was even taught to work Valyrian steel and I can tell that this is no lesser metal you must let me examine it!”
“Work Valyrian steel? that´s impressive tell you what if you become a blacksmith in Winterfell and open up a shop to make armor for men in the North.”
Then I can consider letting you examine my axe.
“Hmmph how many ores are in Winterfell is there even any steel to work with?”
“Did you not just say you were a smith taught in the Free City even learning to work Valyrian steel. Then no doubt you have some deep connections who can send you ingots of any kind wherever you are.
“This is my offer take it or leave it if you ever want to learn of the axe and Its mysteries you must personally open a shop in Winterfell and take your apprentice with you or train a new one from our household”
When I come back after the tourney for the armor and helmet I will expect an answer.