The heat of the forges grew stronger the deeper they went into the Artificer's Hall.
Sparks flew in every corner, younger apprentices hammering away while older masters barked at them.
But in the farthest corner, where the fire seemed to glow brightest, was Belric.
They found him hunched over his anvil, his thick arms blackened with soot, his beard tied in a knot to keep it from catching fire.
He was shaping something Arden had never seen before, thin bands of metal connected with a web of tiny runes that pulsed faintly as he worked.
Each strike of his hammer wasn't just about force, it was measured and timed with a faint hum that came from the runes themselves.
"Looks like a trap of some sort," Rael whispered, eyes narrowing.
Arden shook his head. "No. That's a weapon. He's testing resonance."
Belric paused, turning the piece under the forge-light.
But the glow flickered, sputtered, then went out.
