It was a small village in the big woods called the Vasty Forest. He was a young man having reached the maturity of eighteen years. His name was Karling son of Kelborn. It was his time to take over his father's business of working the forges in the smithy. He had apprenticed since his eighth year. Now he was to be the breadwinner for the whole family as his father rested and awaited death. It would not be long. No one live...