Chapter 1, part 2

Swords and Sorcery, silver and gold, gems and jewelry. The life of an adventurer (as perceived by a young boy at least). I know the dialogue is a little stilted here but bear with me. It's a work in progress:

Altarn woke with a start, his dreams had led him on an adventure where he had single-handedly saved the town of Turrin from an invasion of goblins. All the inhabitants had been most grateful and he had been reaping the rewards of his efforts when he woke up. He heard his name called from the house and looking out of his “tent” he noticed it was well into late afternoon. Getting up, he brushed himself off and headed back for the house. Entering the house he saw his mother, father, and Luciana. His father must have come back from the fields early, normally he would not have returned until dusk or later. Luciana was a friend of his, his parents had tried to urge him to speak of betrothal with her. Altarn thought of her as only a friend, no more, and she shared those feelings with him. His parents never would try to understand this, they thought that because she was of sturdy build, had many out of door related skills and not ugly that she would make a perfect wife for him as a farm owner. Altarn had different thoughts on the matter, Luciana was much stronger than he ever would be, Luciana also had a desire to see the world before settling down and finally Altarn was in love with a different girl from the village. A red-headed spitfire, quick on the uptake with the body of an acrobat. Her name was Berryl and Altarn had trouble even talking to her, never mind telling her his feelings. His parents, of course, thought little of Berryl. Berryl’s father was a “no good, shifty, no account layabout with nary an honest days work to his credit” in the words of Henry. Amanda was a little more soft spoken on the idea, saying that Berryl had never learned any useful trade or skill and wouldn’t make a very good wife. In Altarn’s mind Berryl’s quick wit and beauty were enough to qualify her as betrothal material, aside from that she was slightly weaker than Altarn and Altarn could never handle a woman for his wife that could pick him up and toss him about.

Luciana had come by to celebrate his coming of age day. Altarn’s parents, knowing that at the very least they were good friends, had invited her. His mother had cooked his favorite meal, ham steaks in a honey sauce with all the trimmings and then had spent the last several hours baking pastries for desert. After dinner Luciana pulled Altarn aside “Are you still planning on leaving this place?” “Yes, sometime in the next few days.” “Good, I’m going with you.” “You’re certainly welcome to join me” Altarn replied, the question evident in his voice. Luciana chuckled and said “I’ve used my father’s forge and the skills he has insisted I learn over the years and have made myself a sword and dagger. I’ve also traded a few pieces of ironwork for a small bow and some arrows. The only thing I still need to get is a suit of armor, I’m thinking of boiled leather to leave myself freedom of movement. Unfortunately, there is no armorer here to make that for me so I need to go to Turrin, is that still your first destination?” “It is, and I’m impressed with your preparations, I thought you wanted nothing to do with your father’s forge.” “Well, since I told him I had no intent to become a blacksmith before I came of age he has been much nicer and allowed me to work on some items for him in exchange for the use of his forge for my own items. If I ever make another nail it will be too soon, I made several thousand for him so I could make my sword and dagger. Then had to do some other stock work for him so I could make the items I traded for my bow and arrows. I certainly hope they were worth the effort.”.

Altarn and Luciana returned to the kitchen where Henry was devouring one last piece of pie with great effort. “If I ate like this all the time, I’d never be able to plow the fields.” He said, “Now boy, one last chance. Are you sure you don’t want to inherit this farm or do you insist on running off and getting yourself killed? I tried to beat some sense into you while you were still not a man, but you’ve reached an age to make your own decisions.” “I want to keep on good terms with you father, but not at a cost of being tied to this farm my entire life.” “Then you’ve decided and I shall respect your decision.” Henry rose and walked into the sitting room. Amanda said “Here is the surprise I was talking about son.” Henry walked back in with a brand new hand tooled leather scabbard, the old dagger from over the fireplace protruding from the neck. Handing it to Altarn he said “Here you are boy, your request is fulfilled, I also have a few other items for you if you insist on wandering off.” Henry pulled an oiled leather backpack from behind hid back and handed it to Altarn. “Inside you’ll find a bedroll, sheet of canvas to use for a tent, some flint and steel, a couple of waterskins and a few other miscellaneous items that no one should be on the road without. I’ll be going to bed now.” Amanda looked at Altarn , commenting “He really did think he could talk you out of it, but I know you better than he. For the last year I’ve been scrimping a bit on supplies when I go into town and as a result I have something else for you that no-one should be on the road without.” Amanda handed Altarn a small purse which jingled as he shook it. Looking inside he saw many coins, mostly copper with a few silver scattered about inside. “Thank you mother, this will come in just as handy as anything else I’ve been given.” Altarn hugged his mother and noticed a few tears coming from her eyes. “I love you mother and always will. Do not worry, I will return for visits from time to time.” Amanda stood and replied “Well off to bed for myself as well, we’ll have an early morning tomorrow. Remember you are always welcome here and can stay for while longer now if you like, although if you do we’ll expect you to help with the chores.” “Good night mother, I won’t be leaving before morning at least so I’ll take care of the cows and chickens then.”