Wasting Potential

Art navigated more carefully as he searched for the blacksmith.

He couldn’t afford to reveal his identity. He paid close attention to his surroundings, making sure he wasn’t being followed.

So far, nothing seemed out of place.

But he knew his abilities in the outside world still weren’t sharp enough to trust completely.

It took longer than if he had just asked openly, but he finally found the building the boy described. A massive, bleached dragon skull hung above the door, suspended by chains that glowed faintly with runic symbols. Its eye sockets flickered with soft blue light, as if watching everyone nearby.

He glanced around cautiously.

"That must be it," he muttered, eyeing another building nearby before walking over.

Art stopped in front of the building, now confident he’d found the right place.

The building was tucked between two larger structures, yet it had a more special presence.