We had returned home far richer than we left. We took thirty-six French ships in the year months we were out. The happiness that we had found in this new land and the love that Laela and I had for each other was making our lives worth living again. We had sailed around the world and visited our kids and old friends in the east. The only problem I saw was that Laela’s seasickness seemed to be returning. That was not a good thing but there had to be a reason.

Luckily we were returning to port and she wouldn’t have the same problem on land. At least that’s what I thought. It seemed that just about any movement was making her sick and that bothered me. I was glad that we were almost home.

The people of the village were as friendly as ever when we brought our wagon into town. The kids from around town were all playing and waving at us. It was nice to see the children so happy that day. It was rare to see anyone but Sam and Maudene’s kids out playing. Anyway you look at it, it was nice to be home.

As we arrived at the Blacksmith’s shop Sam and Maudene came out to meet us, their third child in tow. “Welcome home.” Sam smiled as I brought our carriage to a halt. “How was the trip?”

“Good.” I smiled as Laela slowly climbed off the carriage looking a little green. “We took four French ships, we couldna do much to the Spaniards with the new rules they put on us but would have had ten of them.”

Laela looked at us with a sickly smile. “And my sea sickness is back.”

“What?” Maudene said. “You poor dear. Come to the house and we will see if we can get your stomach settled. I’m sure that Sam and William have much to discuss.”

She looked at me and I smiled. “Go. I’ll be in shortly to see to you.”

She nodded and let Maudene lead her into the house. I looked around at the shop and noticed a large amount of horseshoes and wagon supplies sitting around. It was enough for an army.

“I think ya noticed that we been busy.” Sam smiled.

“Who ordered this much?” I frowned. “This is enough for the entire British army here.”

“Yup.” He laughed. “And more to be done. Your fine work brought one of the generals down here to get his army refit. We got an order for more than just shoes and wagon bits too. They want you to make um some bayonets for the guns as well.”

I looked at him in shock. “How many?”

“Five hundred.” He grinned. “How long do you think it will take?”

“Month, maybe two.” I shook my head. “Looks like yoo got most of the easy stuff done. How much more do we need to do besides?”

“Not much.” He grunted. “Got some more wagon bits to do and some other stuff and there is a special order.”

I eyed him. “What kind of special order?”

He pulled out a broken sword and handed the basket hilt to me. I looked it over and recognized the blade as an old Damascus blade but the symbol on the hilt was what struck me. I then realized that the blade wasn’t Damascus but folded steel and I knew who had made this blade.

“Where is the general now?” I asked looking at the nearly hundred year old sword. “And did he tell you how he broke the blade?”

“He said nothing about that.” Sam smiled. “But he told me that you would find him at the inn. He told me to tell you he would be waiting.”

I laughed as I handed him the hilt. “Put that on my table and I will get to it tomorrow. You can do what work you want but I’m going to check on Laela and then I’m going to go see this general.”