They stood and waited dutifully. After five minutes Darius's legs were getting sore and he wanted very badly to go home. His father saw his boy fidgeting and handed him a roasted nut from his pocket fold.
Another usher with silent footfall came in and drew back a black curtain from the wall. Behind it sat a throne and upon its seat was a character enmeshed in woven gold, wearing a metal mask that had a weave of craggy horns high above his head.
This figure produced a small pouch and handed it to his father. It weighed so heavy that it bulged the material. Inside was a fine metal dust, so fine it looked like black flour and sparkled in the lamplight as he opened it.
The usher who had been waiting behind them moved forward and motioned to silently leave through another door to their left. He then took them through the maze, with no words having been spoken until they were back into the light.
"Portius instructed me to tell you that you will prosper in your business. You are to add a dram to each bale of molten iron and the metal will be all the stronger for it. Success will come shortly ... and fame of your wares will span the centuries."
This was a great honor and the prophecy did prove true. The foundry flourished and the metal polished strong - and they secured the city's tender ... a consignment of nails to be supplied, in all sizes.
-Gabriel Brunsdon, Puck in Hell, Azlander Series
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