Blacksmith

Choosing an apprenticeship as a blacksmith meant Alex would have to leave his mother and home behind. Though they parted with tears, Alex couldn’t help but he excited about the possibilities that awaited him in this new chapter in his life.

His step-father, Tom, escorted him all the way to his new home, not far from the royal palace, itself. There, he introduced Alex to the blacksmith, Mr. Murphy.

“I hear you are a bright young man and a hard worker,” said Murphy. “I hope that’s true; most boys would have started their apprenticeships long before now. It’s only because of my high regard for your step-father that I agreed to take you on.”

As Tom returned home, Mr. Murphy introduced Alex to Mrs. Murphy. The two of them are in their early 40’s, and they have a daughter, Elaine, who is 21 years old.

“You will be staying here,” said Mrs. Murphy, showing Alex his room. “It isn’t much, but at least you will have a roof over your head. You can get washed up, and then it will be time for dinner.”

Alex threw his bag on the bed and rubbed his forehead. So much had changed in the course of just a couple of days! He stripped off his shirt and made use of the wash basin and towel in his room.

As he dried his hair and face, something caught his attention. He looked toward his window and saw Elaine’s black hair as she walked by. Alex was so startled that he nearly dropped the towel. His life up to this point had been in comparative isolation. His small village and his rigorous work afforded him little opportunity to interact with girls, and his home certainly did not allow just anyone to walk by and see him while he was in a state of undress.

He hurriedly pulled the curtains to the window, wondering whether Elaine happened to look in while he was washing up. Surprisingly, Alex realizes that part of him wished that she had looked in!

Once he was washed and had put on a clean shirt, he was ready to interact with his new family.