The morning sun hung low over the bustling streets of Thornhold as Jacob and Sera walked toward the busy center of the city. The air smelled of coal smoke, and the sounds of merchants shouting prices echoed through the narrow alleys.
They had traveled back to the city to collect the specialized components Jacob had commissioned from the blacksmith earlier that week. It was a simple matter to send a letter through the caravans that often traveled between the village and the closest city.
Also, Jacob needed to meet up with Gerald as he should be in town during this time of the month.
Sera adjusted her heavy cloak while looking toward the row of clothing stalls near the central fountain. "I think I will go and find some better wool for May, and maybe a little toy or treat for Lila, while you deal with your technical matters," she said with a bright smile.
Jacob reached for his leather purse to hand her several silver coins for the purchase. "Meet me back at the blacksmith's workshop once the sun hits its peak so we can load the wagon together."
They split up at the corner of the merchant square, and Jacob made his way toward the quiet study where the young mage Gerald spent his hours.
They had decided on this spot to meet at since there was never a perfect day for Jacob to find him in Thornhold. Thus, the study Gerald often studied at when traveling in the area was the best place for Jacob to find him.
Gerald was currently leaning over a sprawling map with several glowing crystals used to hold down the corners. He looked up immediately when the door chimes announced a visitor, and a look of genuine pleasure crossed his face as he recognized the enchanter.
"I was beginning to wonder if the wilderness had swallowed you whole, Jacob," Gerald said while setting aside a stained quill. He gestured for Jacob to step into the cluttered area filled with ancient scrolls and half-finished potions. "The world has been moving quite fast since the last time you stood in this room."
Jacob took a seat and accepted a cup of cool water from the mage. "I have been busy with the farm, but I am here for the commission at the blacksmith and to hear what you have learned from your contacts."
Gerald leaned forward and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"There have been two dungeon breaks in the northern wilderness where an F-rank and an E-rank both spilled over because the local guilds were far too slow to clear them. More importantly for you, a new dungeon has been reported near Ruvka, the ranking has recently been confirmed by a guild exploration party as an F-rank gate."
Jacob, of course, was intimately familiar with the dungeon in Ruvka, but he let the mage continue on without interrupting him.
Gerald continued by mentioning that an adventurer, whom Jacob knew by the name of Carlos, had recently been promoted to B-rank in Spring City after a successful campaign within the local B-rank dungeons in the area of the county's capital.
"That man is rising quickly through the ranks," Jacob noted while thinking of the powerful knight he had met briefly. "He seems like the type who will eventually end up in a high position within the kingdom, whatever that looks like for adventurers."
Gerald watched Jacob closely for a moment before changing the subject to something more academic. "And what of your own work? Have you mastered any new techniques that might be worth sharing with a fellow student of magic?"
Jacob chose his words carefully because he did not want to reveal the full extent of his progress with intent-based magic.
"I have been moving away from simple flat inscriptions, and I have been finding that shifting my enchanting from two dimensions into more complex three-dimensional structures allows for much better stability."
Gerald looked intrigued but did not press further when he saw the guarded expression on the face of his young friend. He could tell when someone was trying to play their hand close to their chest, and he could only respect the young man who was not as naïve and senslessly trusting as the young farmer boy he had met a couple of months prior.
"Three-dimensional structures," Gerald began, "are closer to the workings of the enchanters at the academy, from what I have heard. I don't have any solid information on that for you, though, my young friend."
Jacob replied, "Well, it has been quite refreshing getting to talk to you again, Gerald, but I do need to get back to my wagon. I think the blacksmith should be just about done."
"A wise man keeps his best secrets until he is certain of the outcome." Gerald replied, "I will let you get to the blacksmith to collect your order, but you should keep your ears open for any news of that Ruvka dungeon."
Jacob thanked the young mage for the warning, though it was likely to be unwarranted, and made his way to the clocktower district to find the workshop.
The smith had finished the custom brass gears and the heavy distribution plates according to the exact specifications Jacob had provided. The large hopper that he would be converting into his first piece of heavy machinery was already strapped to the wagon.
Jacob thanked the smith, and then he packed the delicate components into a reinforced wooden crate while feeling the smooth surfaces of the metal that would soon become the heart of his automatic seeder.
"Jacob, look at this stuffed animal I found for your sister!" Sera announced as Jacob was loading the last of the goods from the blacksmith.
"You should really look for something for Caleb's birthday," Sera continued, "he is turning 13 soon, isn't he?"
Jacob, now done with loading, thought for a second before replying.
"Ok, you can help me get something for him. I think he is mostly interested in farming, though?"
"Oh!" Sera exclaimed, "Don't worry about that! I have just the thing in mind for him. I overheard him talking to your mom the other day."