A Medieval Sonic Story: Chapter 2 - The Blacksmith and The Bowyer

As Sonic and Jacob went their separate ways, Sonic began to ponder what he would use for Jacob's new tools. He had plenty of steel for such a task, but it would take a little while. The blue hedgehog wasn't worried though. A naturally talented smith, Sonic had been granted the rank of Journeyman at the age of 15, and now at 19, he was an official Master Smith, able to craft the highest-quality wares for a long way around.

If you needed it, he could make it, for a fee of course. Plate armor, shields, swords, nothing was impossible for Sonic. But he also knew that he could always use more business, so he began searching for craftsmen of other skills. It wasn't too long before Sonic was overseeing the production of locksmiths, glass makers, leather workers, he even had a wagon for transporting his wares to other realms.

As the months passed, Sonic's shop and property expanded as the wealth and business grew, but he was still missing something… or someone. He didn't know it, but that need was soon to be answered. As winter turned to spring, Jacob came by the forge and found Sonic just finishing up the tools. "Morning Sonic. How goes it?"

Sonic looked up and nodded to the giant hedgehog. "Morning Jacob. Your tools should be ready in the next few days. How are Dayna and the kids?"

Jacob chuckled as he watched the cobalt blacksmith work. "We're proud of our triplets, but having three girls has its own problems. King Sebastian is thrilled that they're here, but I did hear some interesting things while they were spending time with the queen."

Sonic cocked an eyebrow. "Really. What sort of things?"

Jacob's ears twitched. "Another time. Sounds like you have company."

Sonic quenched the axe head he was working on in a barrel of oil, checked it for hardness by scraping a file across it, then nodded his approval. "Who is it? Royalty?"

The orange hedgehog shook his head and answered the blue one. "No, looks like a commoner."

Sonic looked confused. "Odd. I'm not expecting company."

There was a knock on the door, and half a dozen workers paused. Jacob walked to the door and opened it. "Yes?"

The visitor took a step back as they stared up at the giant. "Uh… hello. Can you help me?"

Jacob shrugged. "Perhaps. What is it you need?"

The visitor lowered their hood, revealing ocean blue eyes and orange fur. "My name is Miles Prower. I have traveled far and wide trying to find the blacksmith known as Sonic the Hedgehog. But I must be very fortunate, for unless my eyes deceive me, you are Jacob Hedgehog, the undefeated grand champion of King Sebastian Rose."

The hedgehog nodded. "I am indeed he, and you have found Sonic's workshop. Wait right here."

Miles waited about two minutes, and then Sonic came out. "Miles Prower?"

The fox nodded and shook hands with the hedgehog. "I am, and I cannot express how relieved I am to finally find you."

Sonic looked at the wagon. "Miles "Tails" Prower? Have you two tails then?"

Tails nodded. "I do."

Sonic looked back at the fox. "What are your wares?"

Tails brought the hedgehog over to the wagon. "I am a bowyer, a master of my craft, same as you."

Sonic looked at him. "A bowyer? Why are you here at my shop in the Neutral Lands? The kingdoms on either side would pay well for one like you."

Tails nodded. "Same as they would for you, but yet you maintain neutrality."

Sonic motions Tails back to the shop. "My craftsmen and I sell our wares to the highest bidder, and right now, both the Roses and Acorns are paying immense sums for what we have here."

Tails looked around. "Locks, stained glass, furs, leather, jewelry… but no bowyer."

Sonic nodded. "I have room for one, but we need to discuss terms if you're interested."

Tails gave the hedgehog a look. "Are you kidding? I didn't travel all this way to not sell my wares out of your shop. Name your price."

Sonic shrugged. "Okay. You make the bows, arrows, and fletchings, I'll make your arrowheads, and I'll also take one-quarter of your profits."

Tails thought for a second. "Deal. There are a lot of paying customers around."

The hedgehog and fox shook hands, and then Jacob approached. "A bowyer? I could use a bow and arrows for my hunting trips."

Tails nods, looking him over. "I can do that, but it'll cost you. I'd essentially have to make a double-sized bow out of the sturdiest wood I can get."

Sonic speaks up. "Plenty of yew and hickory around here, so it shouldn't be too hard."

Tails nods and turns to the orange hedgehog. "I think I can do that, for a price."

Jacob crosses his arms as he looks at the fox. "I'm only a furrier, so I'm not rich."

Sonic had to stifle a laugh, and Tails grins. "In that case, my price is three tanned deer hides."

Jacob thinks for a bit. "Counter offer: Make it your best ever work, and I'll give you four hides."

Tails offers a hand, which Jacob shook. "Agreed. Give me a week, and I'll give you a bow plus arrows you'll always be able to count on."

Sonic comes over. "Guess I need to start making some arrowheads then. Broadheads okay Jacob?"

He thought for a second. "I'll need a variety. Different animals take different arrowheads."

All three males shake hands and go about their business. As promised, Tails had Jacob a proper longbow plus a full quiver of arrows three-eighths of an inch thick, custom made just for the giant hedgehog in only one week. After a few test shots, Jacob nodded his approval and gave Tails the four tanned deer hides he had available.

Word did eventually reach Sebastian Rose, and he readily made his way to the Neutral Lands. As he approached, Tails came inside. "We have company Sonic. Looks like the king."

Sonic nodded and came to the door. "Thanks Tails."

There was a moment's pause, and then a knock was heard, followed by the door opening. "Hello? Anyone around?"

Sonic came face to face with the red hedgehog, and the blue one bowed. "An honor, Your Majesty. To what do I owe this visit?"

The king looked around. "My guards on the border sent word that a large number of skilled craftsmen have set up in the Neutral Lands. I can see I was not lied to."

Sonic motioned to the space. "Indeed, there are a few of us here, including Jacob on the next plot over providing furs, hides, and antlers."

King Sebastian nods with a smile. "I heard about that too, quite a contrast from his last ten years as a knight. However, I am here to commission you and your workers for the upcoming tournament against the Acorn Kingdom."

Sonic nods. "I have heard of it, but it's still a long way off yet."

The king sits down in a nearby chair. "Yes it is, and while we are on good terms with them, they have beaten us soundly for the last five years. I intend to fix that."

Sonic begins pacing. "So you come to me to seek help."

The red hedgehog nods. "I am willing to pay everyone who works for you, and you yourself, enough to fund your pursuits for a further three years. I will give you half now, and half after we win."

Sonic was stunned. "That much?"

King Sebastian nodded. "That much, and if that were not enough, I would offer my own daughter."

Sonic chuckles. "I'll keep that in mind. Very well, I accept your offer."

Tails arrives and bows. "Your Majesty."

The hedgehog ruler stands up and walks over to him. "Miles Prower, the master bowyer. It pleases me to see you here. I expect the highest quality from you in the upcoming tournament."

Tails nods. "I will make bows and arrows that will never break."

The king thanks them and leaves, and Sonic turns to Tails. "We're being paid a small fortune for this, so we need to do our best work."

Tails nods. "I heard. The Acorn family are renowned for their ability to fight. The Rose Kingdom will need all the help they can get."

Sonic agreed. "I'll have to get to work right away. They'll need swords, shields, armor, and probably some other stuff."

The king found Jacob Hedgehog and asked for his participation in the tournament. Jacob frowns. "I remind Your Majesty I'm no longer in his service, but I will participate if there is an event that doesn't involve wearing armor."

Sebastian thanks the hedgehog giant and begins the journey back to the castle. In Sonic's shop and forge, the sounds of hammering and sawing were heard. The following six months passed, and on the first day of fall, the crowds gathered at the courtyard of Acorn Kingdom.

Tails and Sonic took a spot near the main gate and began unloading. "This courtyard is huge, Sonic."

Sonic nodded as he looked around. "Indeed. They picked a great location for their castle."

As they unloaded, the Acorn family arrived and began looking at the wares and vendors. They made their way around, and finally came to the blue hedgehog and orange two-tailed fox. The king greeted them. "Hello good sirs. I have never seen you here before. Pray tell, who are you and what are your occupations?"

Sonic bows. "I am Sonic the Hedgehog, master blacksmith residing in the Neutral Lands. Beside me is Miles Prower, called Tails, a master bowyer under my employ and also living in the Neutral Lands."

The king nods. "Both noble professions. I am King Maximilian Acorn. This is my wife, Alicia, my son, Elias, and my daughter, Sally."

Sonic locked eyes with Sally as he bowed, making her blush a little. Alicia smiled when she saw this, and she looked at the blue hedgehog. "Have you a mate or wife, either of you?"

Tails shook his head and answered the chipmunk queen. "No Your Highness. Perhaps one day we will find one for ourselves, but for now we are focused on our work."

The king inspects their wares and chooses a bow and quiver for Elias and a beautiful 80-layer Damascus-pattern sword for himself. "Fine work, both of you. Will you be attending the events?"

Sonic shrugs. "We haven't decided yet Your Majesty. We may if sales are slow."

Alicia Acorn pays for the weapons and nods to them. "Then we hope to see you there."

The royal family leaves and the fox and hedgehog count their pay. Sonic gives Tails half and smiles. "Off to a good start."

The trumpets sounded and the crowd began to fill the tournament area, eager to see who would win in each event.