The offer

JP between Bird_Brain and Winteroak

Timestamp: Stoneshade Keep - Midday

Markus accompanied Orel to Stoneshade Keep. Although the major landmark of their colony he had never been to the Keep or its grounds. On arrival they were directed to a small office off the courtyard. There they were met by a man Markus had seen around town many times. Sir Eudon Zane, the field leader of the city's troops. Once seated the man wasted little time.

"Is this the man you spoke of Master Romus?" He asked appraising you. The old man nodded. The Knight turned to Markus. "Master Romus here sings your praises. One of the best blacksmith he has ever seen."

Markus was stunned by such high praise coming from someone so intimidating. Not quite sure how to respond, he simply nodded, and attempted to not appear nervous, though he wasn’t doing a very good job.

"The city is in need of your skills Markus." He told him straight. The Knight did not seem like someone who beated around the bush. "We need you to travel North with a group of our soldiers and workers to secure a mine to the north near by Fang's foothills." He continued.

"This place is to serve as weapons production smithery. And we want you to be in charge of its operations."

Markus was blown away. This was in no way what he had anticipated, he was expecting something along the lines of a large order! This however, would be a huge responsibility, though one he felt ready to handle.

“Would i be expected to fight?” he asked “I only ask because, while I can make weapons, I am not quite proficient in wielding them.”
“Despite this, I am completely willing to assist with this operation.” He added.

The older man nodded happy with Markus candour. "Sooner or later we will all have to fight I'm afraid." He looked at Markus in the eye. "I can have someone teach you while up north if you wish, but your main goal is the setting of this operation and ensuring it is working as efficiently as it can."

Markus relaxed, “understood sir. I would appreciate some training once things have begun rolling, but for now, I am more than happy to get the operation started sir!” He said cheerfully.

"Good man. Deliver on this and Master Romus will certify you as a Master Blacksmith." he looked at some papers in front of him. "Do you read and write?" The Knight asked

Markus nodded in the affirmative. “I may not have the best penmanship, but it certainly shall suffice” Markus replied

Sir Zane grunted in approval. You will leave in the next fortnight, as soon as all preparations are made. Here is a list of all you have to take with you." He passed the papers to Markus.

The list included equipment, tools, rations, a small contigent of masons, carpenters and some farmhands that would turn their hand at being miners. He was supposed to take some form of payment to the mountain tribes. Markus noted that these were likely the weapons they had been working on flat out.

“Understood sir. I will do all of this to the absolute best of my ability.” Markus responded, visibly excited to be released so he could begin preparations.

"One last thing. A small contigent of soldiers will escort and stay with you. Although you will retain full control on the operation, the person leading them will have full control of military matters and you will defer to them in case of conflict and on matter of security. Understood?"

Markus nodded, “I wouldn’t have it any other way sir.” He remarked

"Dismissed." The Knight told them both.