The next day, Ron and Erwin passed through Crow's Nest. There were several more market stalls than when the baron had been in charge, and the sounds of haggling between peddlers and patrolling soldiers carried all the way to the castle walls.
Several children by the roadside were playing at knights, arguing endlessly over who got to be the knight. A few old women sat by a low wall mending clothes. One of them looked up at Ron, then lowered her head and continued working.
It was neither fear nor vigilance, but a long-lost sense of security. The lord had changed, but life had not gotten worse. Patrols still passed through every day, trade was growing ever more prosperous, and no one dared to plunder under the sergeant major's watch. That was enough.
The forge by the roadside still had its fire burning. The shop itself was small.
The dwarf Fergus Graem stood before the shop. When he saw Ron approach, he immediately rose to his feet, wiped his hands on his apron, and put on a broad smile.
"Sergeant Major! Looking for something? Not to brag, but I've been in this trade for nearly twenty years. My craftsmanship is among the best in Velen."
Ron ignored his boasting and walked straight to the stall. "Erwin, this is a good chance to pick out a sword for you." Erwin adjusted his glasses and did not refuse.
The female assistant beside them had been arranging the shelves in the back. Hearing that, she looked up at Fergus, snorted through her nose, and lowered her head to mutter something.
Fergus kept his expression unchanged as he smoothed things over. "She hasn't been feeling well lately. Her nose keeps making those noises. Please don't mind her."
Ron picked up a sword and ran