Jacob focused his attention on the object in his hand and began the work of his inscription.
He decided on a simple strengthening enchantment for this piece, seeing no need to be fancy with the process.
He noted that the rod would hold eight runes, which made the task feel quick and effortless.
With very little exertion, Jacob reinforced the metal with a steady flow of magical power.
While it was not nearly as indestructible as some of his more complex projects, it was now far more durable than it had been moments before.
He handed the rod back to the mage. Gerald took it gingerly, as if he were holding a rare prize.
"You know," Jacob began, "it is quite durable now. I promise that it will not break."
His voice broke the mage out of his fixation. Gerald blinked and then laughed quietly to himself.
"I do not doubt it. This feels more solid than many of the weapons I have tested at the Academy."
Arthur raised an eyebrow at the mention of the institution. "Do you teach?"
Gerald gave a slight shake of his head. "No, not officially. I have just spent a lot of time in places like libraries and laboratories. In those circles, people usually talk much more than they actually work."
He turned the rod in his hand again, marveling at the enchantment. He could feel the magic and test its strength, yet the marks remained invisible to his eyes.
"I know real work when I see it," Gerald said, turning his focus toward Jacob. "This is something special. It's a basic enchantment, but that is the very point I am making. You could call this a beginner's task, yet it functions perfectly. It sits right at the threshold of what I would consider advanced craftsmanship."
Jacob gave a small smile. "It is not that hard once you know how to place the runes. You just have to feel out the flow."
Gerald shook his head in disbelief. "You make it sound easy, but it is only easy for someone with your specific talent. For most people, this is a work of wonder."
He tilted his head toward Arthur as he made the comment.
The farmer nodded in agreement, knowing his son had a way with magic that he never thought possible for people of their standing.
Gerald looked between the father and son, clearly weighing a thought in his mind.
"I have a proposal," Gerald said at last. "During your Trial Year, you are free to travel, are you not? You have no chores and no required duties to the farm?"
Jacob looked at Arthur and subconsciously touched the medallion around his neck. Arthur looked back at his son before reaching out to rub his head.
"Do not worry, we are still protected by the laws of the kingdom, even when dealing with mages. In my opinion, you should hear him out. He seems to know the ways of this region. I have never met a mage in my life, let alone had the chance to make a deal with one. This will be a good learning opportunity for you."
With the reassurance from his father, Jacob looked back at Gerald with renewed confidence. "That's right. My parents said I could go as far as Thornhold if I wanted to."
Gerald smiled at the news. "Good. Then how would you feel about setting aside one day each month to meet with me? I travel a circuit between Thornhold and the river towns. I come through this area at least that often."
Jacob thought about the offer for a moment. "But why would you want to meet with me once a month? Do you want me to bring you more enchanted clothes?"
Gerald laughed at the question. "While I do like your work, I would rather bring my own clothes and items for you to enchant. Getting to pick the specific enchantments will be the best part of the arrangement."
"When you put it that way, I suppose it makes sense," Jacob replied. "However, I do wonder about the payment. You said earlier that most enchanters charge for more than gold can buy. Would you care to explain that?"
The question caught Gerald off guard. He cleared his throat, realizing that while Jacob was a child, he possessed the focus of a true mage. His wisdom seemed much greater than that of an average adult.
"I am willing to trade at the rate we used today," Gerald explained. "To sweeten the deal, I can tell you about the greater world beyond these villages. The laws forbid me from actually teaching you magic, just as they forbid me from learning your secrets, but there is knowledge worth more than gold that I can share. What do you think?"
Jacob glanced at his father one more time. Arthur gave a small shrug that indicated the choice was entirely up to his son.
"Alright," Jacob said. "One day a month sounds fair. I do not mind trading enchantments for stories, as long as you keep your end of the deal."
Gerald nodded, looking clearly pleased with the outcome. "You have my word. I will keep track of the moons and send word if anything delays me. Otherwise, expect me back around the first rest day after the new moon."
"I will be here," Jacob confirmed. "I will have to be alone sometimes, but I will be here."
Arthur gave a thoughtful grunt. "Just do not go draggin' him off to some mage tower or an academy."
Gerald held up both hands to show he meant no harm. "Nothing like that. I am not a recruiter. I simply want to see how his enchanting develops when he is already this skilled. I might also help you both understand exactly what you have stumbled onto."
Jacob tilted his head slightly. "Stumbled onto?"
Gerald smiled again, choosing his words carefully this time. "Let us just say that inscription is not a commonly practiced method. Outside of a few old texts and disjointed theories, most people would say it no longer exists. That makes you very interesting."
Jacob scratched the back of his neck. "I wasn't trying to bring anything back. I just thought it made sense."
"Exactly," Gerald said. "That is why I want to see where your thoughts go. Watching your progress will be like watching history develop."
"It sounds like we have a deal then," Jacob replied. "I will be seeing you around."
Gerald nodded and turned to leave the market square. "I really do hope I see you around, Jacob the Inscriber."
Jacob and Arthur stood by their wagon and watched him disappear into the crowd.