Achilles took one step closer, and in that moment, the blacksmith moved with surprising speed.
A massive hand, calloused and heavy with the memory of a thousand forge-fires, clamped down on his shoulder. Another hand grabbed his arm, squeezing lightly, testing the flesh and bone underneath.
"Hmph," the great man grunted, pulling Achilles even closer, turning him slightly left, then right, as if inspecting an ingot before forging it anew.
"You are sturdy enough. Some refinement already done, but it could be more."
Achilles opened his mouth, but the giant of a man kept going.
"Forget questions for now, Boy. Tell me, how are you doing?"
There was a surprising softness in that voice, like the rumble of distant thunder long after the storm had passed.
"Have you started yet?"
He did not clarify what 'started' meant.
But then he chuckled, a low sound that vibrated through the molten air.
