Tinker

Ethyl looked up at the northern outer wall as he passed through the outlying farms. The parapet was nearly finished. The details list always took longer than the controllers expected. It would surely be another couple months. No more than that though. It was a magnificent sight. Surely a place of strength even the Orcs would hesitate to besiege. The parties that struck out from here to keep peace would have a far reach. His kind would be safer as a result.. If only they would build fortifications like this further inland. The humans seemed so drawn to the sea and waterways.
...
“I see you made it back in one piece lad” Terrin said with a smile as Ethyl entered the workshop. “Bartholl and Klevin are working on the guard shack for the next two ten days. It’s still early in the day. They will be glad for your help. Collect your tools from the chests and get to it.” the gnome told him as he gestured to the tools along the wall. Ethyl looked at him with a bit of confusion and opened his chest to find several new tinker tools including a fine pair of snips and a new ball peen hammer. He picked it up and appreciated the craftsmanship and couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you Terrin”
Ethyl got his belongings settled and added the new tools to his new apron and tool rolls. He felt satisfied and like he had a sense of purpose as he tied the apron strings behind his waist. No more than thirty minutes later Ethyl was working alongside Klevin setting pins in the new hinges of the guard doors. Mid day and Terrin checked in on the group. “We need the guide for the inner portcullis chain set. Let's try and get that hung today please. “We will do such.” Bartholl replied for the three as they ate.
...
A couple hours later Klevin was peering through the stonework guide and handing a pin through to Ethyl. “Just set that one and we are all set. Besides, it's almost time for supper.” Ethyl took the pin and set it in place, driving it into place with a satisfactory ping. “All good?” came Klevins voice. “All set, we can test it” he called back. A few moments later there was a satisfying clinking as the portcullis began to operate. Ethyl smiled at himself and set his tools away.
When Ethyl got down from the ladder and made for the door to the walk way he found it barred. He frowned at himself, glancing at the two portcullis, both firmly lowered into place. He went to the south one and looked for one of the cousins but neither was in sight. He smiled lopsidedly and called out “Very funny guys. You got me. Welcome back yeah yeah.” but there was no replay. Ethyl smiled and shook his head and took up a seat against a wall to wait for someone to pass or the guys to grow bored with the prank. “Just like my brothers.”
...
The morning found the gnome sleeping in the corner, huddled from the morning chill. He stirred as voices drew near and quickly righted himself, straightening his apron and cap. Ethyl realized it was the custodian and his escort doing their inspection rounds as the first question came sharply, “You there gnome, what are you doing in the guard house?” the sergeant asked. He refrained from smiling in embarrassment and saluted instead staring straight ahead at attention. “Testing sir, chain is rigged and running gate is secure sir”. The sergeant huffed and called out “guards, get someone to open the gate and bring this one to the barracks for questioning”
After a moment of looking and murmuring among themselves, one of the remaining guards elicited snickers from his fellows commenting “Gone and got himself stuck all night looks like”. The custodian, a man in his sixties, stepped forward. One of his eyebrows threatened to lift and a smile played behind his older eyes. The sergeant stepped forward as the portcullis began to lift, ”I apologize Lord Crommor. We will see that he is dealt with”. The older man lifted a hand slightly to ward off the sergeant.
“Your name and what house are you from?” came the question as he stared down at Ethyl. “Ethyl, The house of Dulri.” The response seemed to please the Lord and he nodded. “Very well Ethyl Dulri. While I appreciate your dedication to ensuring the quality of Castle Waterdeep and her gates, this is the day of rest for the tradesmen. You will retire your tools and find rest, that you may be fit for task during second bell tomorrow.” The older man showed a hint of mirth and gave a slow wink as he stared at the gnome. Ethyl kept himself professional as he responded “Yes Lord. Thank you Lord” and he lowered his salute and walked past the glowering sergeant.
...
Back at the barracks the smell of coffee and breakfast hit him and made his stomach grumble. “Ah Ethyl, you finally finished eh? Working like a Kobold huh?” Bartholl chidded. “Very funny you guys.” Ethyl responded with a smile and a shake of his head. “Lord Crommor and his escort were doing inspections and found me. I’m sure you weren’t aware the gate was scheduled for inspection this morning?” Klevin piped in with moch horror on his face “Oh, Ethyl, you didn’t get yourself locked in there did you? Oh the embarrassment!” This sent the cousins into fits of laughter. Terrin approached Ethyl with a plate of food and a cup of coffee, holding back any laughter behind a smile. “Here Ethyl. Get some food.” Ethyl accepted the plate and glanced over at the cousins with a grin and a shake of his head. “Thanks Terrin” His uncle nodded "Maybe you should make dinner tonight?" he added with a wink.