The Bladesmith: The Fayhaven Trilogy, #1

By Megan Grooms

Lena has always been an outcast in her small town, her looks and attitude did not match those around her, and her profession, a bladesmith, like her father before her, caused her neighbors to sneer at her. After meeting Zander, a stranger that seems to accept her without question, Lena starts to believe that there could be hope for love.

When she learns that the castle is looking for a new Master Bladesmith, Lena decides she must enter the competition and win the position. Seeing it as the only way to continue doing what she loves, Lena must endure the ire of the other competitors and win over the judges.

As time passes and secrets are revealed, Lena has to figure out who she is, and what she truly wants. Will she get the position she has always wanted? Can she forgive those that have kept secrets from her? New discoveries about herself, and her family, may change everything. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Grooms
• Release date: Mar 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386487166

Book preview

Chapter 1 

Lena watched the man in her shop wearily. Just like most of the men in this town he refused to believe that she was the one making the swords that hung on the walls and the daggers on the tables. The leather armor was a bit more believable, apparently women can work with leather and make clothes. She had to hold back her annoyance. She hadn’t sold anything in a while, and she needed new supplies. A sale would be helpful right now. She almost had enough for the order she wanted to make.

Her father had passed away a year ago and sales had dropped almost at once. She still had to claim that the weapons were left over stock from when he was alive or the men wouldn’t buy them. Of course, they were not. She had made all of them, but they wouldn’t buy it if she said that. Again, she had to bite her lip to stop herself from making any sound of frustration. No one had ever complained about her weapons. She had never had one returned before, so she knew that they were well made and worked perfectly. Lena also knew that if the men knew she had made what they bought, they would immediately find something wrong with it and bring it back for a refund.

The man never asked her for her help in choosing a weapon. She had no idea what he planned to do with it or why he needed a new one. The men would talk to her father for hours as they looked them over and helped them get just the right sword. After ten more minutes of looking and handling many different types he walked up and laid one on the counter. Could I get you anything else today sir? She asked smiling and trying to be as polite as possible.

No. He answered gruffly. She saw his eyes look her over, no doubt displeased that she was wearing a man’s pants and shirt, her leather apron was tied over it covered in soot, burn marks, and stains. When are you selling this place to a proper weapons maker? We need a decent one now that your father has died. Don’t you think it’s about time you get married and give up this place? The man asked handing over his money.

This was the most someone had talked to her in a while. She just smiled not wanting to make him angry and not buy the weapon any more. I’ll marry when I am ready and I have plenty of stock to sell. Thank you for your concern though. She handed him his change. He narrowed his eyes at her like he was about to tell her off but, instead he snatched up the weapon and walked out of the shop without another word.

Lena sagged pressing her hands into the counter and hanging her head. She hated men. They all thought they were so superior to her, thought that she was only good for getting married and keeping house. She stood up tall, straightening her spine. As long as she sold enough to live off of and get supplies, she didn’t care what they thought though, at some point they would stop coming to her all together and she would be in real trouble. She flipped her sign over saying she was closed and locked the door.

Walking up the stairs in the back workshop, she entered her home above. It wasn’t large by any means, just a two bedroom with a little indoor bathroom. She still lived in her childhood bedroom not wanting to take her father’s larger room. She hadn’t been able to really go through his things, even a year later. She missed him dearly. Shaking her head, she went to the pump and filled her basin with water before washing off. Making weapons was sweaty work and if she was going to get supplies, she needed to clean up and get changed. She hated that she had to wear a dress when walking around town, but it was much easier than dealing with people telling her off for ‘dressing like a boy’. Once she was changed, she left through the door in her workshop making sure to lock it behind her.

It was a nice day; the sun was shining in a clear blue sky. It was perfect weather for walking, which she needed to do to get supplies. The tall stone wall around her home was about a foot over her head and gave her some privacy and security. She glanced over her garden as she walked to the gate, noticing that some of her vegetables were ready to be picked. She would need to do that in the morning, as well as weed, she’d been neglecting that lately.

Before opening the gate, she moved her wheelbarrow over. She needed a way to bring everything back, if she was lucky enough to get it. After shutting the gate, she made sure to stand tall and look straight ahead as she walked, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. She knew the looks she was getting from the towns people. She did not want to get into another argument. It never helped her.

At the shop it took ten minutes before the owner even acknowledged her. Another five before he came over to ask what she wanted. He knew who she was and what she would want. She used to buy the supplies for her father. She hadn’t had to buy anything since his death because sales had been so dismal.

Yes? He stood a little too close to her. She figured he was trying to intimidate her. It wouldn’t work. Her father had been a very tall and muscular man, so she was used to it. Unfortunately, she looked like her mother. A slight build with light skin, bright blue eyes, and light brown hair with streaks of blond, she stuck out in this community of burnt umber skin tones, dark brown eyes, and black hair. She looked like she belonged in one of the neighboring countries to the north, where her mother was from. Her pointed ears, that she hid under her hair, would have only made her stand out more if the people saw them. The man just watched her waiting for her to back up she supposed.

I require some supplies. She held out her list to him.

Grudgingly he took it. These are for making weapons. Your old man died. You don’t need any more supplies.

She bit her tongue before speaking again. I need the supplies that’s all you need to know. She tried to smile, but she was sure it came across more as a grimace.

He shoved the paper back at her. You don’t need it. Go get married and sell your shop to a real bladesmith.

If you won’t sell to me, I will find someone else that will. She said trying to stand her ground.

The man just laughed there isn’t anyone else to sell you the things on your list, and even if there were, there is no way they would sell to some no-account woman. He said stepping closer to her. She did back up a step now as he was soon going to be pushing her backward. Get out of my shop and don’t come back here again, do you understand me! He growled still moving toward her.

Finally, her temper got the best of her. Sell me what I require! Why do you care who uses them, you make money and I get what I need! This is ridiculous! She heard a thunderclap outside, as if it was putting a final point on her argument.

The man reached out quicker than she expected and wrapped her wrist in his large mitt of a hand. He dragged her to the door and flung it open. The sky outside had grown dark with ominous looking clouds. I said I ain’t sellin’ to you! Get out! And don’t come back! He yanked hard on her arm throwing her out the door and into the street.

Lena ran straight into something hard with a little oof. Hands circled her upper arms. Whoa, are you alright miss? She looked up to see the most handsome man she had ever seen. She came up only to his shoulder. His eyes were honey colored with flecks of gold, his hair was jet black and hung pushed to one side across his forehead, his skin was light chestnut, his clothes were well fitted and clean, especially compared to the clothes she usually saw around town. He smiled, but his brow crinkled a little in concern.

She stood up fully and stepped back I apologize, I’m fine thank you. 

It didn’t seem like it was your fault. What was that all about? He nodded his head toward the shop door, dropping his hands from her arms.

She clicked her tongue and looked back at the shop. I hate dealing with men. She muttered before stopping and turning back to the man in front of her, her face growing rosy with embarrassment. I was trying to buy supplies for my shop, but he wouldn’t sell them to me.

She watched as he looked again at the shop and back to her what kind of shop do you have that requires you to buy from this place?

Lena took a deep breath, clearly this man was from out of town. Everyone knew of her in town, mostly because of who her father was, not to mention how much she stood out in looks and attitude. She held out her hand My name is Lena, I have a shop on Carey street. He took her hand shaking it, seemingly trying not to laugh at her. I am a bladesmith. She watched him, waiting for him to say something rude.

The smile fell from his face and he looked at her curiously. That seems like a unique choice for a woman, how did you come by that trade? Lena narrowed her eyes at him waiting still. What is the matter?

That’s all you have to say?

He chuckled should I say something else? I’m curious how you learned. 

She looked him over again, he seemed to be a few years older than her. He was well spoken and had a gentle, but commanding voice. For some reason he wasn’t showing disdain for her chosen profession, only curiosity. Well it’s usually polite to tell someone your name when they’ve shared theirs with you.

Surprise flickered across his face. My name is, he paused as if he had to try to remember his own name Zander.

It’s nice to meet you Zander. My father taught me. My mother died when I was born and he had no idea how to raise a girl, so he just did the best he could. I used to buy supplies for him here, but because he’s passed away, and everyone knows it, the store owner won’t sell to me anymore. He’s hoping I’ll sell the shop to another bladesmith. This is probably his way of forcing me to do that. She ran her hand through her hair that hung loose behind her.

She caught him watching her. Are you any good? He asked after a moment.

Yeah. She responded right away, rather forcefully and she worried that he would find her rude, usually she didn’t care if someone found her rude. She reached behind her and pulled her dagger from its sheath. She had sewn loops into her dresses at the waist line so that she could carry one without anyone noticing it. This is one of mine. She held it out on the flat of her palms for him to take.

He carefully picked it up and examined it. She watched apprehensively. She hadn’t told anyone that the weapons were hers before. She was a bit nervous to get feedback from someone other than her father. He looked it over completely, testing its balance, the sharpness of the blade, seeing how straight it was, and if there were any imperfections. He took a step back from her and did a few movements and tricks with it. This is exquisite. He said, it was clear he was surprised, but she didn’t feel offended by that. He held it out to her and she took it back sheathing it again without trouble. I really am quite impressed. He said smiling fully at her. She couldn’t believe how handsome he was. Do you have a list of supplies? Taken aback, she looked up at him confused a moment. I would like to purchase the supplies on your behalf. Of course, I won’t tell him that.

She tilted her head still confused, why would you do that for me?

He smiled again, because you have an incredible talent and it should not go to waste. He held his hand out expectantly and she finally smiled and handed him the list and her money. I’ll be right back.

Lena looked to the sky after he was gone. The clouds seem to be disappearing the sun starting to shine through them again. She was glad she didn’t have to walk home in the rain. It didn’t take long for him to come out how are you going to get the items back to your shop? She pointed to the wheelbarrow by the door. He nodded and went back into the store. In moments he was back with some of her supplies. He put those in the wheelbarrow, then went back in for more. It took three trips, but he got everything. He stood before her again with that handsome smile looking down at her. Here you are. He handed her the list and her change. Do you need to go anywhere else that you might have trouble? I’d be happy to come with you.

No, this was it. She looked him over I’m sorry, you’ve gotten your nice clothes all dirty. She reached out automatically to try to brush the dirt off him. I don’t know how to thank you enough for your help. You’ve saved my shop. She reached behind her and untied the sheath to the straps in the dress. Here, you may have this, to show you my gratitude.

He took it honestly, you don’t need to. I was happy to help.

She smiled up at him, the first time she had really fully smiled since her father passed. I insist, you saved me today. If you ever come back to town, please stop by my shop.

He looked at her curiously again how do you know I’m not from town?

Lena’s face grew a little pink, well, unfortunately most of the people here know me. I don’t exactly blend in... she waved a hand around her face and I don’t act like most of the women around here. She indicated to her wheelbarrow of supplies. They all knew my father, and I grew up here. Now that my father has passed away, they seem to think I should start acting like some damsel, get married, and forget about being a bladesmith. You didn’t know who I was, so I figured you were from out of town. As she stopped talking her face grew an even darker shade of pink. That makes me sound pretty full of myself, that I think everyone here knows me.

Zander chuckled a little. Not at all Lena. I think it would be hard not to know of you in a small town like this. Honestly, I’m surprised to hear you are not married already.

She shrugged I’m a little too strong willed for the men here I think. He laughed, a full wonderful laugh this time, and Lena couldn’t help joining in a bit. Well I should get home before it gets dark. Thank you again for your help today. I hope to see you again some time.

Would you like me to escort you home? He glanced around a little, Lena thought he was looking for someone or for some unseen danger that she might be in.

I will be fine, thank you. I’ve taken enough of your time today. Have a good night Zander.

He bowed a little to her, I am glad that we were able to meet today Miss Lena.

Laughing a little she gave a slight curtsy, as am I. She was still smiling as she lifted the handles and headed toward her home. She looked back once and found him watching her. He waved and she nodded her head back to him.

*                 *                  *

Who was that? A voice behind him startled him.

Zander turned to find Gareth standing behind him off to his right. Just an interesting young woman I met. He saw the other man’s dark brown eyes follow Lena’s retreating form.

Gareth looked him over, how did you get so dirty? He asked brushing off the other man’s shirt.

I helped her get some things she needed. They wouldn’t sell to her because she’s a woman. She’s a bladesmith, can you believe that? The two started walking down the street, Gareth slightly ahead of Zander. Gareth was just a bit taller than Zander and five years older. The other man’s black hair was cut much shorter than his own and his build was slightly bulker. He wondered what kind of man Lena liked, she said that men found her too strong willed. He realized that he would like to get to know her better.

That is quite surprising. Is she any good, did you get to see any of her work? He glanced back at Zander and found him looking at him.

Holding out the dagger he was given, Zander smiled at the other man. I think she does amazing work. She gave me this to thank me for helping her. Gareth took it and started looking it over. Her father raised her and taught her everything she knows. He’s passed away now and she’s having trouble with her shop, apparently everyone thinks she should sell the shop and get married.

This is very well made. Gareth said inspecting the blade. It was nice of her to give this to you. Will she be alright walking home alone?

Zander nodded. I offered to escort her, but she declined.

Gareth looked at him surprised hm... that’s odd.

Chuckling Zander agreed, I think she does a lot of odd things that most females don’t. I find it fascinating. She invited me to visit her shop next time I’m in town. I think we will do just that. I need to get my sister a birthday present after all. Don’t you think a nice dagger like this would be good for her? Lena had it tied into the back of her dress so that I couldn’t see it until she pulled it out.

Gareth watched Zander a moment. Is it such a good idea for you to continue seeing the same person when you come to town?

Zander just waved him off, it will be fine. When do you think we can come to town again?

Letting out a sigh of defeat he rolled his eyes It wouldn’t be for at least another week. We have to deal with some extra things, until your father returns from his meetings.

Alright, a week. Zander was disappointed, but he reminded himself, it could be even longer, so he would endure a week.

Chapter 2 

The next morning Lena found a note under the shops door as she went to open. There was to be a new bladesmith at the castle. They were holding a three-day event to interview and judge the applicants. The flier told her that the event would take place in three months. She couldn’t believe it. This could be the answer she was looking for. If she could get that position, she wouldn’t have to worry about selling to men that didn’t want to buy a woman’s weapon. She would supply soldiers that would use those weapons to protect the people. They wouldn’t care who made them. She just needed to be allowed to apply.

The current bladesmith and her father had been friends. She remembered at the event that is held every year for the commoners to go onto the castle grounds and see some of the castle, that her father used to bring her to the workshop and talk with the bladesmith. Maybe he would be willing to give her a shot because of who her father was. Her only problem then, would be her age. She was sure many of the men would be older than her and with more experience. She just needed to make sure she knew everything she could about making every weapon she could. Her father had many books that she would sometimes look over. She would have to start reading and studying in earnest. They also required a presentation piece. She would have to get started on something new right away. She was so glad that Zander had been able to get her the supplies she needed now.

Time went by quickly after that. Lena decided to study as much as she could first and start her weapon two months