In a small office inside the town hall William shook inspector Nortons hand and congratulates him for taking office once again. Inspector Norton saw William outside they separated and just as he was about to close the door he saw 2 people waiting outside the door. He recognized the older person as it was master Smith who came to see him few days ago and the other person must be the apprentice who fell sick.
Good afternoon master Smith what brings you here. Said Mr Norton.
Good afternoon Mr Norton they both came forward. I would like to speak to you about something and this is Raymond my apprentice. Said master Smith.
Good afternoon inspector Norton. Raymond greated. He nodded towards him.
Please come in we can talk inside. Norton invited. Thank you master smith said.
They both followed in and took a seat. Master Smith and Ray looked at eachother and looked at Mr Norton.
Mr Norton started master Smith. This is Raymond my apprentice he was the one who fell ill and was not able to take part in the apprentice exam.
Mr Raymond I am so sorry to hear that. How are you feeling now. Asked Mr Norton.
I am feeling better thank you Mr Norton. Replied Raymond. Norton was a middle aged man with a lean stature. He looks like he is a scholar and a researcher. He speaks politely and conducts himself calmly.
Seeing how he behaved Raymond relaxed a bit and thought it might not be too difficult.
Mr Norton since I was sick I was not able to write the exam but it is possible to write again soon if I had a proper medical reason but I heard that my chance was given to another candidate by you and I am not able to participate in it. Raymond spoke.
It is true that you where sick and you failed to attend it. It is also true I gave your chance to another candidate as I have the power to do it unless notified earlier. Since I was not notified I did what any other inspector would do. Mr Norton replied
But we did notify the last inspector who was in charge. Raymond rebuked
You might have, you might not because I didn't get a written and attested letter I can't confirm.
But since you're case is genuine and believing you have given the letter to the last inspector I have promised to give you a letter of recommendation replied and that seems fair to me. Mr Norton looked at both of them smiling.
Raymond and master Smith looked at eachother. They were both speechless how Mr Norton handled it. Raymond was expecting Mr Norton to get angry and loose his calm thus gaining an upper hand in the negotiating. He was not prepared for this. Little did Raymond know about Norton he was from the capital and has traveled a lot and seen many things his experience with dealing people is exceptional.
If there is nothing else to gentleman I have other things to attend to. Mr Norton said.
Raymond quickly said Mr Norton even though what you said sounds fair it is not. since I am not able to write the exam I have to wait another year without work that is an extra burden to me and my family.
Son what do you want me to do. Asked Mr Norton. He looked straight at Raymond
A chance to write the apprentice exam as soon as possible. Replied Raymond
That is not possible Mr Raymond, the exams have finished and even the graduation ceremony is over moreover the quota for blacksmith apprentice graduating this year is already filled. I can't make an exception for you unless the king asks for you or the guildmaster itself. Replied Mr Norton.
Raymond stood up from his chair and said Ofcourse I know that. So I officially want to challenge you your ruling on this matter. I want to wager my letter of recommendation and my spot as a participant next year for you to write an letter of exemption to guildmaster.
I will demonstrate my skills as a black smith and if I am able to get your approval I win.
Raymond looked straight into Mr Norton's eyes. He gave the letter of challenge to Mr Norton. Seeing this master Smith also stood from his chair.
Norton frowned as Raymond gave him the letter. He opened it and gave it a read. It said everything Raymond said and a date, a month from now.
Mr Norton replie. I won't accept the challenge. This is the worst thing he wants. Since it is a challenge it can be accepted or declined. Raymond's main goal was to flip him of and make him accept it because of the rage but since Mr Norton been so calm the plan feel through.
After a Raymond and master Smith left Willam knocked on the inspectors door and walked in. The inspector smiled and stood up. Sir William. Greated Mr Norton.
Please sit down. I just saw 2 people leaving your room and I was intrigued. Would you do me a favor and accept the challenge. Said William.
Young masters were you eavesdropping me asked Norton curiously.
Sorry for that, but i wanted know more about a person who wants to challenge the authority. Especially you. Replied William
You think too highly of me young master. I think they were trying there luck. Spoke Mr Norton.
Everyone in capital knows about your capabilities Mr Norton. But I really wanna know if they have anything up there sleeve.
William walked over and sat on a chair near him.
Norton thought about it for a few minutes. Young master do you really want to.. he was cut of by William. You would be doing me and my family a favor Mr Norton.
Immediately Mr Norton smiled and said as you wish young master. I will send someone to inform them .
Thank you Mr Norton for the trouble.
The sun was slowly setting when Raymond and master Smith rode back to the forge. As they reach home they saw a messenger boy waiting in front of there home. Master Smith went forward to collect the letter. Opened it seeing the contents inside the letter master Smith quickly ran towards Raymond and showed him the letter with excitement and happiness. He accepted he accepted it. Shouted Master Smith.
Raymond took the letter and read through it.
Mr Raymond I accept your challenge and it will be conducted 2 weeks from now under the witness of sir William devereux. Raymond was happy and nervous at the same time. He asked for a month but got 2 weeks instead. Time is pressing and he hast to get to work. He looked at his master and said Master let's get to work.
They both went inside the forgery. Raymond found some paper and started to sketch down blue print for the parts.