Sweat stung his eyes as he heaved and shoved the boxes into their proper place on the cart, taking the final box from Mateo once he set it on the cart and all but kicking it into position. His apprentice's energy was irritating, but he kept his tongue between his teeth. "You should have told me earlier, Mateo." He scolded, hopping down from the cart and walking over to Imp, eyeing the black ass with distrust and hate, and when the mule lunged to bite he dodged and grabbed the beast's halter; harshly he yanked that head, clubbing the beast over the head with his fist, and while it was dazed he quickly harnessed the monster.
With all the heavy work done he put his hands on his hips, watching Mateo bounce around, before rubbing his eyes. "Many things, boy, least of all the fact I sicken of just selling stock weapons or fixing someone's axel, of shoeing horses and making nails by the bucket. Menial tasks are suited to poorer, less talented smiths, and I'll not waste my talent and yours on such blindsighted people." He crossed his arms, though softened as Aeglos nosed his shoulder, his hand rubbing over the stallion's brow. "So we will go to the city for artisans, start anew, and profit from our talents…. but it is a long journey, one fraught with danger, and I find myself realizing something."
He nodded to a long box he had specifically told Mateo to not load up yet. "Open it, it is yours."
Inside the box, laying upon silk, was a broadsword of damascus steel, the pattern like fire down the blade, the hilt of dark mahogany inlay with gold, gold that continued into fine filigree along the spine of the blade. It fit perfectly in his hand, made with the specific dimensions of Mateo's fingers and palm. "I know you have been sneaking off to go practice swordfighting, I have followed you, watched you, and I am appalled by your poor skill." He said sharply. "I'll not have you join me only to pick up a sword and get yourself killed because you know naught of the blade, so as we travel I will teach you."