The old man exhaled a cloud of smoke, his head tilted down as though thinking.
"Alright kid, I'll make you a weapon." Smith stood up with a shocked look as he looked at his father.
"Stop sitting and standing up all of a sudden boy. It's about time these old hands made something anyway."
Eric's eyebrows looked suspiciously at the two, 'He's most definitely shifty like a dwarf. Plus, when I first came it was Smith who was making weapons. The old man probably hasn't made a weapon in a minute.'
"Old man, do you have what it takes to make me my weapons?" This time the old man exhaled a larger puff of smoke that formed the face of a bearded dwarf.
"You dare question my talent as a legendary rank, dwarven smith master?!" Eric couldn't see the old man's face but the face made of smoke seemed to stare at his soul.
Eric's breath slowed as he felt the presence of power before him. 'This isn't an old man, he's an old monster.'
Getting up, Eric cupped his hands and bowed. "Forgive me sir. I treasure those weapons dearly as keepsakes from my parents. They were destroyed at your hand and I only wanted to replace them as soon as possible."
The old man grunted as he inhaled the smoke before taking a puff of his cigar again. Performing hand signs, the old man exhaled as a portrait made of smoke appeared.
Eric could hear a voice speaking directly into his mind. "Long ago God created the world. He offered the races paradise, and we resided in his garden. Beings of all different races resided in peace, until the serpent came to deceive." Eric saw the: Titans, Elves, Orcs, Dwarves, Sea kin, Humans and many more made of detailed smoke imagery. Differing hues of grey and white painting a picture of a beautiful garden.
"After the fall came the Age of Hatred. It was in this time every race offended and went to war with every other race. In this era so much blood was shed that the war had to stop because God would not allow every race to become extinct."
"The following Age was the Age of Schemes. During this time, races explored and expanded. Yet the hatred of old was never forgotten. By plotting the downfall of one another, a type of cold war was entered. Nation plotting against nation." Rudolph's voice sounded extremely tired at this point, as though he was exhausted by merely mentioning it.
"The age of Growth was born following this age as innovation was brought forth. This includes wide spread cultivation and the adaptation of bloodlines. Humanity was the weakest but the most blessed race. Always dodging extinction. However, it was in this time that the knowledge of archives was spread. God endowed the very lives of everyone with the ability to be reflected in the stars."
"The Age of Heresy followed. By this point another World War had taken place and following the desolation was the targeting of the race mixers. The Age of Growth was a more peaceful time period but it brought forth the knowledge of half breeds and those with mixed bloodlines. The Chimera clan for example was something brought forth by Spirit Beast mixing and activating bloodlines, many others taking note and following after."
"During the Age of Heresy, the race mixers were hunted. This was a quest for domination as well as purity. Yet it was destined to fall, there was too much that was desired with those in power. Those with mixed blood all had varied results but their potential was something different. It was another avenue for power and all wanted it to be owned by them solely. Nations rose and certain bloodlines diverged into something completely new."
"Next was the Age of Reason. Another one of the more tedious but peaceful Ages. During this time nations decided for diplomacy and co-existence rather than annihilation. It was during this time that it was decided that a Coalition of sorts would be made with the various races."
"Finally, that brings us to the current age, the Age of Expectation. Further advancement as well as the constant prospect of war."
Eric watched in rapt attention the various ages, races, and the old man's depiction of the landscapes.
"You still haven't told me why you want to find this demon." Smith's eyes were closed but his face was in agony when Eric's words were spoken.
"You won't get an answer for that one kid, not yet at least. You probably already learned 50% of what I talked about, but I bet you never heard the other half. Remember kid, we have the Keepers for a reason. History is guarded and distorted for a reason. Some of these questions I cannot answer, some I just don't want to."
Eric thought about what he was told and the unsaid things the man may have been trying to hint at. His mind flaring at the possibilities.
'Mother was dogmatic about history just as much as father was training. Certain questions she wouldn't answer. I wonder why there's all this hate?'
"I'll make your weapons, but you'll have to provide the material. Smith, you know where I want to send you two." Smith gave an annoyed look at his father and then Eric, swiftly he starts signing and the old man's brow quivered.
The old man's complexion turning beet red. 'This old fart is most definitely going to blow his top.'
"SHUT THE HELL UP YOU SNIVELING BRAT. YOU'LL GO WHEREVER THE HELL I TELL YOU TO GO." Smith sneered and raised his hammer at his father, from this point on some type of silent conversation taking place.
It was as though a full-blown conversation was taking place and Eric just couldn't hear it. 'Must be voice transmission. I'm surprised that this guy Smith can do it too but then again who's to say.'
Smith animatedly waved his arms around while Rudolph gave him a tense look. After a minute, Rudolph slammed his hands on his lap and it seemed to be some type of signal. Smith dejectedly shook his head and left.
Rudolph looked to his son as though he wanted to say something but then held his tongue and just shook his head.
"Teenagers am I right?" Rudolph glared at Eric who laughed in return until the old man appeared behind him and gave him the worst wedgie he'd ever gotten. About to turn around, Eric only saw darkness before he realized he was unconscious.