-Callen-

  At last I had managed to get the last skill master had planned for me: Runic Compatibility. It enabled the activation and powering of runes by someone who doesn’t know the rune and therefore can’t feed it intent in the same manner the original crafter did.

  The skill involved a lot of making a simple enchantment last as long as possible under the use of someone else. The more complex the enchantment and the greater the disparity in intent of use between the user and the original maker, the shorter the lifespan of runic work. This skill was the key to letting others use my runic work.

  Master Yoren was testing out some of my crafts when Callia burst into the room.

  “Dad’s hurt!” She grabs my arm and pulls me along as we rush back home. We pushed through the doors, and upon entering the house, I saw him.

  Mother had gotten back first and was embracing him tight enough to try and make him forget whatever could trouble him. It was easily apparent what it was as I noticed his lack of hands. Callia and I both joined Mom in the big family hug. So time passed, and eventually Grandpa also showed up. Dad looked away as if afraid of what Grandpa would say, but all he got was a bop on his head and a quiet complaint.

  “Foolish boy,” However, Grandpa also took hold of Dad, and we all waited for his trembling to fade. Eventually the family disentangled, and a concerned silence took root. We all waited for someone to ask the question, ‘What now?’. In that wait, Dad took the lead.

  “It’s likely I won’t be a knight for much longer or employed.” He started slowly before continuing. “It won’t happen right away, but sometime within the next year it’s likely my presence will endanger you all.” Mom focused his attention on her to prevent him from staring at his arms. Grandpa seemed to understand what Dad was saying, and a fierce look formed on his face.

  “They won’t as long as our family proves it’s worth. I’ll step back up even if my body is getting old; it's not like any of these new boys can keep up with me.” Grandpa holds Father’s shoulder to reassure him.

  “Dear, I swore I would stand by you for as long as you lived. Whatever injuries you suffer and whatever debilities afflict you, we will help you bear them.” Mother reassures Father, firmly holding onto him, conveying her resolution to stick by his side. Then Sis decides it’s her turn.

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  “When I get old enough, I’ll cover for you and Grandpa! So just watch me as I become the greatest ever!” Callia declares with absolute confidence, raising a hand to her perceived future triumph.

  Meanwhile, I’m in deep thought; maybe I could try making a prosthetic for Dad. The project would be very complex, and it would need frequent replacement, but it might not be impossible. I have a basic understanding of human anatomy and function, so maybe I would have an advantage over other rune workers who have tried. At the very least I had to try.

  “Dad, I'll make you new hands! It won’t be easy, but I’m sure I can eventually do it!” My statement seems to stun everyone, but Sis bounces back quickly.

  “Right! If anyone can help Dad, it would be Brother!” Sister's support seems to light a fire in Mom and Grandpa’s eyes, and they quickly join in. I can’t help but blush faintly under the assurances they give Dad. I felt like it was a bit too much in terms of praise, but at the same time it steeled my determination. I would live up to their expectations!

  “Thank you, Callen.” Dad’s sincerity is abundant and firm as the light of hope creeps into his eyes. “You know, at least I will get some time to see you two grow up. I promise even if you do fix me, I'll spend as much time with you as I can. I want you both to know it was hard before you got here, and ever since both of you came into my life, everything has had so much more meaning. Seeing you all like this makes me prouder than words can say.” He leans into Mom, resting one arm along her back. “I'll believe in all of you, but know this. Whatever happens, I’m glad I got to spend this life with you.” The family scrunched back together, this time not to comfort each other but to cherish.

  The following day Dad insisted we get back to our former routines, except now Grandpa only had time in the morning for me and Callia's shared training. He could only leave verbal guidance for her going forward. Dad, while unable to participate as Grandpa, had quickly resolved to adjust to his disability.

  Master Yoren, hearing the news, was willing to share what he knew about past attempts at prosthetics. The best function by linking to the recipient's will and acting as the user intends; however, such limbs collapse from use quickly as the runes struggle with extreme versatility. The more feasible limbs often respond to the movements of the muscle connecting to the detached limb, but such prosthetics struggle to interpret hand movements.

  Overall, prosthetic limbs are considered a failed art because in function they are far weaker than real limbs, and they severely lack the dexterity needed for fine use. That doesn’t even take into account the cost of materials and craftsmanship needed to replace usable limbs on a regular basis.

  The only reason as much effort was invested in them as there was is because of a powerful dwarven lord who invested heavily in relevant research. Eventually the financial burden ruined that lord, and it has been a warning to all others who consider investment into such a task.

  Similarly, enchantments can make functioning limbs, but the use of the limb rapidly drains mana from the user, so only powerful mages can use them. Not to mention enchanting is even more expensive than runecraft.

  Regardless, I was undeterred, and the examples my master had given me gave me inspiration for the foundational function of my enchantment. I would make the prosthetic respond to the electric signal of the nerves. While I don’t know how to interpret those signals, the advantage of runecraft is that it functions on will. After all, I doubt the runemaster who made the arm move in accordance with muscles actually fully understood the mechanics of muscular movements.

  Master shared the situation with Gam, and they decided to begin my apprenticeship as a blacksmith. Practice on materials would be put to use in making the prosthetics while Gam taught me how to shape metal. However, now I had two Earthkin masters fighting over my time, which resulted in lots more work to do. I could already tell that for Earthkin a disciple is for life and that even after I move on to learning other disciplines, they would always be in the background guiding me as my master. I even vaguely expected the idea that even if I surpassed them someday, they would still bonk me on the head, demanding I work harder. Regardless, with a direction in mind, I set out determined to see my project brought to fruition.