The Royal Smith: Preview Part I

James Reichert doodled simplistic and poorly drawn images of swords on the piece of parchment in front of him while his teacher, Lord Benjamin Lerich, droned on about the fragile, political relationships of their kingdom. A subject that the Lord and young Prince would normally have fervidly discussed with one another. In fact, James would be on his second sheet of paper due to the sheer amount of notes he would usually take during the lectures, only drawing symbols to help connect related information to one another.

So,oddly enough, the Prince’s mind was on swords that day: how they were made, what they were supposed to look like, and how he imagined they would feel while grasping it’s hilt. The craftsmanship of weaponry and the art of swordsmanship was a common enthusiasm for any citizen of Delrich but, usually, the situation would be flipped; James would start thinking about the political structure of their nation as the surrounding adults would ramble about refined blades and other weapons.

James’ obliviousness had not gone unnoticed by Lord Lerich, who quickly struck James’s desk with the thin, wooden switch he held in hand. Once he got the stunned Prince’s attention, he commented, “I sure hope you don’t plan on abandoning your position as the heir to throne in order to become an artist, Prince Reichert. While I firmly believe Delrich is overdue to gain some more culture and art within it’s borders but, from what I can see, you would make a poor contribution to the cause.”

“I am sorry, Lerich,” James apologized, “Please, continue on and I’ll put down the quill for a while and try to focus.”

“This is usually one of your favorite subjects,” remarked his teacher, who continued to sit upon Jame’s desk, “I do enjoy debating with yon about the role of Delrich’s caste system or talk about the neutrality agreement between us and the Persittian Empire. Because of this, your thoughts have always been an interest to me. So, please tell me, where is your mind today?”

Still embarrassed about being caught not paying attention during the lesson, James remained quiet for a moment in hopes that Lord Lerich would simply ignore the incident and just move on with his teaching. Though, during that moment of silence, it also occurred to James that Lerich was probably one of the few people that seem to understand him and his thought process. With a deep breath, James decided to confide in his teacher.

“As you know quite well, It’ll be my fourteenth birthday in a month,” James started but Lord Lerich was quick to see the direction of the conversation.

“And you are worried about ‘the Presentation,’” he said, nodding as he began to understand the situation, “Quite the important moment for the heir of Delrich, isn’t it? The same day you turn fourteen is the same day you get the opportunity to choose the next Royal Smith candidate. An event that many say is the Prince’s first kingly act.”

“Yes,” said James, “Plenty of gifted apprentices will present to me swords they worked hard on; ones that I will have to judge…”

“And unlike the rest of your heritage or fellow countrymen,” Letrich interjected, “You’re not quite as versed in weapon craftsmanship and combat like you are with my books and enlightening lessons.”

“Exactly!” James exclaimed, “the position of the Royal Smith is a legendary honor in Delrich; what if I mess up and choose the wrong person?”

Lerich let go of a deep breath and said, “Then it’s the wrong person you choose… and the consequences be upon your head, Prince Reichaert.”

“That’s a pretty deep and dark statement for a young boy to hear, Lerich,” James said, a little shocked and frightened by the words his instructor said.

“Yes but the truth often is,” Lerich continued, “You are going to be King, someday, and you’ll have to make all the choices on behalf of the Kingdom. Each of those choices you’ll be held accountable for. Choosing the next Royal Smith candidate will be the first major decision you’ll make that can have an impact on the entire nation.”

James sighed and rested his forehead in his hands as a sign of exasperation, “That doesn’t help my worrisome, Lord Lerich.”

“I’m not trying to make the situation seem less frightful,” his instructor explained, “The bravest and greatest people in our world are the ones who face the things they fear and continue to move forward regardless.”

James looked up at his teacher and pondered thoughtfully on the words Lerich had just said. It wasn’t any of the phrases he had hoped to hear, but he felt like it was the one that was going to motivate and inspire him the most. With that, the young prince took a deep breath and lifted his head up from his hands.

“You are a smart young man,” commented Lerich, “I cannot give you advice on how to tell which sword is better than the other because, like you, I prefer to fill my head with facts and information to best help your father govern this country. Though, you have tools and resources that could possibly help you prepare for that day...”

Prince James took a moment to ponder upon Lord Lerich’s suggestion before he was able to come up with his first answer, “I could talk more to General Meirs... He’s probably the most familiar with weaponry.”

The two then looked out the window and gazed into the courtyard where, sure enough, the large, burly general was already busy drilling the infantry in the castle’s courtyard. Jame’s study, where he and Lord Lerich held their lesson, was a couple stories tall but the two could hear General Meir’s sharp, confident voice commanding his soldiers from below.

“Now that’s a good decision,” said Lerich, “Though, remember, you shouldn’t just focus on one solution. Remember to explore all options and get multiple resources.”

James nodded in understanding. Satisfied, Lerich got up from the desk, straightened himself up, and smacked the Prince’s desk with his switch once again. The loud crack surprised James, who quickly lifted his arms in front of his face as if he was shielding himself from some invisible blow. When James poked his head out from his arms, Lerich addressed him with an amused smirk on his face.

Lerich said, “For now, though, this time is dedicated to your studies with ME. Please, give up on your artwork, take notes, and pay attention.”

James’s head bobbed up and down quickly to convey that his teacher’s message was well received. However, the prince had one more topic to discuss with Lord Lerich.

“May I ask one more thing,” James asked.

Lerich sighed and turned his head to look back at the Prince, “Please, hurry, Prince Reichert. Each moment that passes means we have to rush through the remaining material.”

“R-right,” stuttered James, half frightened of his teacher, “As you know, I can ask one person (other than my family.) to act as an advisor during the ceremony… Would you do me the honors, Lord Lerich?”

Now, it was the Lord’s turn to be surprised. He raised his eyebrows and asked, “Why me? We’ve gone over this, I am not very familiar with weapons and smithing...”

“Yet you’re the one who thinks like me and understands me the best,” admitted James, “Plus, you’re usually dedicated to any task given to you, meaning you would be preparing and researching alongside me. I’m sure you can help me choose the best candidate that would best fit the vision I have for the future of Delrich.”

Lord Lerich stood quiet for a moment so that he could think thoroughly on Jame’s proposal. Finally, he sighed then nodded, “Thank you for the honor, Prince Reichert. I will stand by you as your advisor during the Presentation. Though, I will have to extend today’s lesson by an hour.”

“Why?!” exclaimed James, frustrated at the unnecessary, impetuous decision made. .

“Because,” Letrich said as he turned around, flipping through the pages of his book, “Unlike you, I am not brave enough to talk with General Meirs.”