Father to Son

One of my earliest memories is my dad teaching me how to use a whetstone. We were lucky the neighborhood blacksmith was such good friends with my dad, since he let me practice on anything he had spare. My granddad's sword wasn't anything special - we weren't a rich family and the smithy couldn't give away swords - but I was going to make it special. The edge would be just right.
Those nights I would go up to the roof and practice by moonlight, bringing out an edge in any spare metal I could find. The day my dad said I was ready to sharpen granddad's sword, I remember I just shook my head and practiced all through that night. I had to do it in the end, though. The service couldn't wait forever.

I was so proud of that sword in the end. It was a big part of why I decided to become a smith. The joy of the finished product. Yes, it was a fine sword.

You want to know about the service? Okay. Well, we took granddad's casket down to the neighborhood pastor, and all his friends and family were there. We, your aunt and your grandparents and I, we knelt down in front of his casket and we gave him our gifts. Your aunt presented his shield, and she'd polished it so you'd think it might have been gold. We couldn't afford a whole helmet, but we managed a circlet, which your grandma presented. Do you know why we have those?

It's to show that we're all equal when we enter the duty. That's why even the kings don't have crowns, but everyone has circlets.

Then, the priest animated your great-grandfather's body, and he rose out of his casket. First, he put on his circlet, then he picked up his shield. Then I offered him his sword - yes, just like you will - and he took it from my hands. Then we all stood and he knelt before us, and the priest recited the pledge of duty. You'll take it when you become a man, and when it's your time it will be recited over you.

Now, back in the day it was meant to be that the whole funeral party followed the deceased on their first march to the lines, but since the kingdom got so big normally it's only close family and friends now, which is what happened at my granddad's funeral. Everyone else retired to our house to drink and celebrate his life, while we said our final goodbyes, then went home to join them.

Don't worry, son. You'll do a great job on your granddad's sword. As long as you practice.