Marco began to strike hammer to steel once more, in his fifth attempt that day to make a sword. He was set to inherit his family's blacksmithing shop, that is if he could ever actually learn how to do anything. The church bells rang for noon, signaling lunch. Unfortunately for Marco, he had been banished to the forge until he made some kind of progress. Marco sighed.
Suddenly, a bang from outside shook Marco from his bored stupor. He stood staring, unsure whether he should see what had happened. The flames crackled and surged frantically, casting the shadows into a wild dance. A stronger thump reverberated through the ground, nearly knocking Marco off his chair. With one last look back, Marco crept forward and snuck a peak out the window.