Mystic Blacksmith

The mix of knocking at his door and the bright sunlight peeking through the curtains awakened Jason, who muttered a bit to himself as he'd shift to sit up in bed. "Damn…first time I've overslept." Indeed it had been ages since he had such a comfortable bed, especially after the month of travelling he had done across the Kingdoms. Getting out of bed, he'd head for the door and peek outside to see that it was the male servant from before.

"Good morning sir Jason." The young man said formally. "I hope I didn't disrupt your rest."

Jason shook his head. "Not at all, if anything I needed a wakeup call."

"Do you wish for breakfast or require anything for the day?"

Thinking for a moment, he'd nod in response. "Breakfast sounds nice."

"As you wish sir." The servant bowed and hurried off, while Jason closed the door shut. By now he realized he should secure his room better while he was away. While he wasn't sure if someone would try to spy on him, he didn't want a maid cleaning his room to discover his stash of poisons and take a curious sip. Even the less potent mixtures could cripple someone for life if not kill them outright. He'd use the large storage chest set in one corner of the room, a sturdy container with plenty of space. For a good fifteen minutes, he'd work on carefully storing his concoction along with the more dangerous and valuable crafting materials he had. By the time he finished, someone knocked at the door and soon the servant entered with a covered platter.

"Here you are, sir." The young man set both platter and package on the table before returning to the door. "Anything else."

"Nothing more," Jason answered back thankfully.

The servant nodded before leaving, letting the Surgebinder finish packing in peace. Lastly, he'd put away half of the money into the chest along with his blade, feeling it would be unneeded in the city and draw too much attention since it was made of special steel. From what he knew, the poor of the city were quite desperate in some places and openly showing wealth could draw trouble, but he could handle it.

With his valuables locked up, he changed into a fresh set of clothes for the day, similar to the garb he had changed into since arriving at the warmer southern regions. He wore this Stark bracer along with his sturdy boots along with steel sword in case of any danger out in the city. Fully dressed, his attention focused on the hearty meal on the table, which he took his time eating while studying the city map, planning out his route for the day.

"The smith Eddard mentioned should be a good start. Maybe see if he can do some minor repairs even." He muttered to himself as he finished eating before leaving his room and beginning his trek through the Red Keep. Without a servant, it was a bit tricky to figure his way around, yet he'd find his way to the main courtyard and head out the main gates without any issue.

Taking the road down into the main city, the usual bustle soon surrounded him as he'd make his way to the main square before the Grand Sept. It was strange seeing so many people about, the streets far more crowded than even the largest cities back home. Then again such places were struggling from war and conflict last he visited. Moving along, he did get some lingering stares, no doubt from eyes and pale features yet no one lashed out with threats like he was used to. It was odd really, but welcoming in this case.

He'd heard back towards the crafter's district, retracing the route the royal caravan had taken before arriving at a side street with an impressive sign naming it 'Street of Steel'. Heading down, the air soon had the think smell of copper, smoke and oil as he passed through a mix of workshops and blacksmith shops. The simpler and cheaper businesses started at the lower half of the street, while the more fancy and expensive were farther back towards the higher slope of the hill the street was built on. He took his time strolling along casually examining the different weapons and armour on display.

"Solid plate! Stop any arrow without a dent!"

"Short swords! Long swords! Heck, we even have curved swords from Essos!"

Jason attention did stop at the sword seller, curious to see what weapons Essos had to offer. The merchant had a stand set before his store, having all sorts of exotic blades. His interest was quick to fall onto a Dothraki arakh which seemed like a mix of a sword and scythe with its curved shape. "Interesting design." He muttered.

"Ah, a fine eye sir. Dothraki maybe savages yet they have created an impressive weapon for mounted combat." The merchant remarked.

Picking up the weapon, Jason weighted in his grasp and gave a slow testing swing to get an idea of how the weapon arc as compared to other blades. "Can see why it's favoured on horseback. Perfect for cutting down targets on foot or countering other mounted riders…unless they have spears and lances."

"A keen point sir. Dothraki often fights between each other, the simple villages they raid or the rare war with a Free City at least from what I heard."

"Still, a weapon like this be useful against armour, especially steel plating." He'd put the weapon down.

"Such specialized weapons have such flaws. Still, if it interests you…"

"Perhaps another time." Waving by, he continued on his way while the merchant grumbled in annoyance.

Soon he was reaching the end of the street and at last, arrived at the largest building on the whole street. It didn't look like a shop, more of a multistoried house if anything. The entrance was a masterpiece for sure, the door is made of carved weirwood depicting a hunting scene with pieces of ebony detailing and reinforcing the overall door. Beside the doors were two stone knights which at a glance seemed almost lifelike. Pushing the heavy doors opened, he'd enter the shop itself which was even more breathtaking. All around were stands and racks full of the finest weapons and armour the Surgebinder had seen. Already he was pacing slowly around the main room, closely examining each item as he moved along.

"Damn…some of these crafts outmatch even best of that guy's work," Jason muttered, thinking back to the weaponsmith who had crafted his former sword.

"Interested I see?" A male voice spoke up, making Jason glance to the side to see a grey-bearded man dressed in a black velvet coat with fine silver hammers embroidered on the cuffs. Around his neck was a large sapphire set on a heavy chain necklace. With the man nearing him, Jason felt his stormlight vibrate lightly, making him quite curious now.

"Indeed. Your reputation is well received considering." Jason answered back, offering one hand out for the man to shake firmly.

"Thank you. Tobho Mott at your service. I pride myself on my work, yet just as much credit goes to my workers and apprentices." For a moment the man looked closely at Jason's face, a curious hint showing when he noticed the Surgebinder's cat-like eyes. However, he didn't remark about them or the man's pale features for some reason.

"Quite humble to say such a thing."

"It's a life lesson I learned. Share credit where it is properly due. The lack of such respect was a key reason why I left Qohar so long ago."

"Qohar? Sounds like a Free City to me."

"You'd be right. The City of Sorcerers is often called, considering the study on the mystical arts and knowledge. You can say my skills are unique to anyone you'll find in all the Seven Kingdoms."

The mention of magic had the Surgebinder give a curious look. "I take you to use with mystic knowledge for your crafting?"

"Heh, that is a trade secret, my friend," Mott said with a small sly smile. "Yet I'm sure you didn't come to chatter. No doubt you're here on business."

Jason nodded. "Indeed." He'd shift his sheathed sword off his back, nodding to the nearby counter which he set it down. "Wanted to have my blade inspected. Been maintaining it well enough, yet prefer an expert's examination."

Mott nodded as he'd look over the fine leather sheath, gaze examining the hilt and cross-guard before drawing the blade. The man's eyes widened as he stared over the fine steel blade, being careful to set it down as if it was a priceless painting. "By the Black Goat…how did you come to have such a weapon?" He muttered as he'd quickly have a pair of black gloves taken from his coat, putting them on as he'd begin to trace his fingers over the edges of the blades and flat. "The metal purity is unlike most blades I've seen." Picking it up again, he'd weight it in both hands. "Very light. It is like Valyrian steel in nearly all aspects."

Mott finished his examination, glancing at Jason with an intense look. "Tell me. Who are you and where did you get this sword."

"It's a long story, good sir." Jason started yet Hott clapped his hands sharply.

Quickly a slim servant girl hurried out from a side room and courtesy to the both. "Prepare the sitting room for us. Brandy and spiced bread." The smith calmly stated.

The girl nodded and hurried off without a word before Hott looked back at the Surgebinder. "Please, follow me, sir…?"

"Jason. Jason Black." He'd sheath his sword and carry it along as Hott led him into parlour study. His sharp eyes looked over a few books, finding them quite curious since the topics seemed to involve more magical topics and lore.

"Black…can't say I've heard of your house," Mott muttered as he'd sit in an armchair. "All I can say is that you're the most unique guest I've had in a long time." At this point Jason sat down across from him, setting his sword beside his chair as he'd relaxed back. "How does a cat-eyed man come to own a blade that is so similar to Dawn?"

The Surgebinder recognized the name Dawn to be the legendary sword of Arthur Dayne, a great sword forged from a fallen star the House had discovered. "Because I had it forged that way. Unique metal with rare metals. Not sure if this land even has such ores remaining, yet overall this blade is made for Radiants."