James wondered why he was sure the mage would ask about this particular armour. He had no idea why, but he had known from the start that he would and that this was the one that suited him best. He regretted that it wasn't finished and it didn't look like it was going to be any time soon. There was no way it could be done. Matheo was not happy with the results of samples of this steel subjected to different cures. After making dozens of trials with varying results, he concluded that it had to be dragon flame, but he could not find anyone who even came close to meeting the exacting criteria he had set. When it became clear that he could not count on the dragon to breathe seven times in a row with identical strength and control he said that he could not let such a marvel go to waste through his impatience and would wait for the right moment. Even if that moment was never to come.
James was sure of one thing, however. The wizard had no doubt that this was the armour he wanted to wear. He could see it in his gaze and expression, and he noticed that the brothers nodded their heads in agreement as soon as he said what materials it was made of. He also saw them cloud up when he stated that it was unfinished.
His train of thought was suddenly interrupted when something happened in the shop. James reacted immediately and, without looking back, ran to the workshop and on to the front of the shop. Just as he had feared, as soon as he rushed inside he saw them standing in the breached doorway with contempt written on their faces. There were three of them, each with some kind of weapon. So they are back. He thought, remembering how they had come here last time threatening master Vittoro and hiding behind the name of some nobleman. There was nothing he could do then. Now they were the ones who had started it, so no matter what
