Demas was trained by the strongest fighters. He was to be a great general like his father. At the age of sixteen, the young prince sought out a blacksmith to forge for him a sword. The sword was a symbol of power in the army. It allowed you to tell a warrior's rank just by looking at it. Demas was to have a general's sword made in honor of his eventual promotion. He looked everywhere, but found only one blacksmith that he liked.
A small man, no more than half the size of the others around him. His name was Thalos. He was born a runt, and therefor never knew the pleasure of fighting. He trained in the ways of metal crafting his entire life. He provided low class warriors with royal quality armor for affordable prices. But it was not his prices that drew Demas to him, a prince could afford thousands of swords from a royal blacksmith. The small man had a way about him that made Demas smile. The prince gave very specific directions on the creation of his sword. Money was not an option and if extra materials were needed, they could be found.
"It must have the slim features of a Knights sword, but the handle signifying a General. It must glow with the light of a Sinthorian power source." The future king ordered.
"A Sinthorian power source will take months to track down."
"I am in no hurry. I will not be General for four more years."
"I will need half of the money in advance for supplies."
"Of course. I will be back in one month to see if you require more funding."
"I don't think that will be neccesary, but I thank you for the thought."
So Demas left. He kept his word and returned after one month, and every month after. He enjoyed chatting with the old man, whom he nicknamed Grandfather Thalos. Several months after the order was placed, Thalos handed the prince a sword.
"What is this? It is not the sword I asked for." He asked in confusion.
"No, but if you are to weild a sword you should know how to use it. This is a gift from me. I know you are probably used to much more, but it will help you learn."
"It is the most thoughtful gift I have ever recieved Grandfather. I thank you."
"No, I thank you. You have given me the opportunity to experiment with new alloys and styles. Your funding has allowed me to become even better at my craft."
"I am glad to help my friend. Do you think you could teach me to wield this sword?"
"I am far to busy. You have drawn much business to me. However, I know of a man in your father's army that is an excellent swordsman. His name is Orion. He is a low level soldier, but can best even the Elites with a blade."
"Realy? Where can I find him?"
"It just so happens he is going to stop by later today."
"You planned this didn't you?"
"I am a sneaky old man. Now why don't you browse over there for a sheath. I have to begin repairs on this shoulder guard."
Demas walked around shelf after shelf for a sheath that would fit his blade. As he picked up a promising one, the door flung open.
"Old man!" A gruff man yelled as he entered, "I have a bone to pick with you."
"What seems to be the problem?" Thalos asked calmly, even as he was lifted from the ground by his coller.
"The problem is that you sold me a piece of junk."
"Beg your pardon?"
"This sword you sold me broke after two hits."
Demas was almost ready to jump in when the door opened again. In walked a young man wearing armor bearing the symbol of Knight.
"Wow old timer, he's got a good grip on you. You must be in big trouble."
"Orion, nice to see you." The blacksmith smiled.
"I want my money back old man!" The angry man began again.
"Let me see that blade please." Orion asked politely.
The gruff man handed the hilt of the blade to the newcomer. The soldier looked it over.
"This weave doesn't make any sense. It negates the natural properties of the metal."
"That is what I told him at the start, but he insisted on it." Thalos told the soldier.
"I guess you get what you pay for. And this time it looks like you payed for a piece of crap."
"I'm not leaving til you give me what I deserve." The angry man shook Thalos.
"I'll give you what you deserve." Demas started toward the man.
"Prince Demas? I did not mean to disturb your shopping."
"It's not my shopping that you disturbed. You have assaulted my friend."
"Your friend? This old con artist?"
"If you can not settle this nicely, I will have you thrown in jail for interrupting a royal task."
"Royal task?"
"Thalos forges a sword for me and I will not let you delay it."
Immediately the small man was dropped, "I will not delay your work old man, but you still owe me."
"You demanded that it be that way. If you want another forged, then I will gladly forge another. If you want this one repaired, I can do that too. All of it will cost you though, because it was your choice to make it that way."
"What good will repairing it do?"
"I make no promises as to how it wields after, but it will look nicer. You are better off with a new sword."
"How much for the strongest sword you can make?"
"About $3,000."
"That is ten times what I payed for this! This is your strongest metal isn't it?"
"Not anymore. I have aquired some new alloys recently."
"Give me the strongest sword you can make for $500."
"Can do. It'll be ready in a week."
With that the man stormed out. Orion turned to Thalos with a grin on his face.
"Cheery fellow, isn't he?"
"Indeed."