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Princess – Part 01

Prologue

Steam swirled through the smithy, rising in twisting spirals.

With a swift motion, Luke plunged the blade into the cooling tank. Moments ago, it had been glowing red in the furnace, radiating intense heat. As soon as it hit the cold water, it hissed, bubbled, and sent up clouds of steam. The water churned, but the blade cooled rapidly, losing its fiery glow and fading to a dull gray characteristic of iron.

After several seconds, Luke pulled the blade out with a pair of iron tongs. Water splashed, soaking his sleeves. He held the unfinished katana—bare, hiltless, tang exposed—aloft above his head.

The blade had a slight curve from base to tip, and along its edge ran a wavy temper line. Upon closer inspection, the grain looked like the texture of tree bark.

“How is it?” Lisa asked, watching closely.

“Not bad,” Luke muttered.

Hearing his brief assessment, Lisa let out a sigh of relief.