Synopsis "Heavy Metals (Wandering Blacksmith)"
A young blacksmith grows up on Isenkliff in the grey northern sea, where his father Eckehart teaches Kitt the craft. Many warriors come to Isenkliff for the famous Aurora steel, and they teach Kitt to fight. His mother, Aslaug, disapproves of war. She teaches Kitt to heal wounds and do no damage. Kitt wants to know everything there is in the world and reads every book that finds its way to Isenkliff on the ships. He dreams about seeing the world: the glittering courts of Daguilaria and Chrasten, the knights and vineyards of Tolosa, the Mawaranarian deserts under a sky of brass, the god-ridden Meira-valley, savage Kush, alabaster and gold Bharatan, Khartweli of the golden horses, and unfathomable Luxin Shoo. In four stories, Kitt finds more adventure.Can man-eaters be considered human? Going to the Dark Wood Murkowydir across the sea, Kitt avoids his enemies-the murderous Feen Woodstalkers-just to run into the People of the Mist, who eat Woodstalkers for dinner. Can it be wrong to save a man from a horrible death? When war and grief come from this kind act, whose fault is this? While crossing the woods, Kitt finds the remains of cities as well as copper and tin mines. He saves a man from mortal danger, not knowing how much harm will come from this kind act. Prince Ardri of Rilante is driven by the convolutions of the Wandering Stars and the intrigues of Cryssumha’s ancient magic kingdom. He offers Kitt the secrets of the bronze, and the price is high, maybe even too high? A black growth eats at the heart of the wood as Kitt, and the Feen must become allies to root it out. After his journey back to Isenkliff, Kitt learns the truth about his birth. His life is turning upside down, and he leaves his home.
