"Indeed, but do you think you could create another," asked Kargen, "perhaps larger?"

"If I had the tools, certainly. Why?"

"The bow you made had a heavy draw for a Human, but Orcs are much stronger. Do you think you could make a bow that would test the strongest of Orcs?"

"I don't see why not," replied Athgar, "though I couldn't test it myself. What would be the purpose of such a bow, surely you wouldn't use it to hunt? It would be long, even for an Orc, and unwieldy to carry through the forest."

"True," admitted Kargen, "but it would likely be powerful enough to penetrate armour, would it not?"

"There's more to penetrating armour than just the pull of the bow. You'd need special arrowheads."

"See? I knew you would have the answer."

"Why would you want such a bow?"

"I was talking to Shaluhk the other day," offered Kargen.

"Laruhk's sister? Isn't she apprenticed to Uhdrig?"

"She is," confirmed Kargen, blushing slightly. "Our shamaness seems to think that a time of conflict is coming. I want our hunters armed with these bows of yours if it comes to that. It would help protect us from armoured soldiers."

"Like the ones that burned my village?"

"Yes, there is always the danger that they might come after us as well, and we must have protection."

"I'll give it some thought," said Athgar, "though I must admit the concept intrigues me. These war bows you speak of would take some trial and error."

"Warbows, I like that," said Kargen. "I shall be your assistant."

"I didn't know you could make bows," said Athgar.

"I cannot, but I can certainly use them. If you are going to be making these warbows, you will need someone who can pull them to their full draw, will you not?"

"I will," he admitted.

"Good, then it is decided."

"What is?" came a voice.

They both turned to see Artoch, the master of flame, walking towards them in his usual, quiet manner.

"We were just discussing making bows," explained Kargen.

"I am afraid I must interrupt," said Artoch, "for it is time that Athgar begin his training to harness the flame."

Kargen looked at Athgar and grinned, "He is all yours, Master Artoch, our business is concluded for the time being. I must be off anyway, Laruhk is expecting me."

"And his sister, no doubt," added Athgar. The smile on Kargen's face told him the remark had hit home. "Very well, be off with you, master hunter."

Kargen ran off, perhaps with a little more energy than was needed.

"Put down your work, Athgar, and walk with me," said Artoch, "we have much to discuss, you and I."

Athgar rose, looking down at his handiwork. "I shall just put all of this away first," he said.

"Do not bother," said Artoch, "it is safe where it lays."

"Someone could steal it," Athgar objected.