Solo Working in the Woodlands II

[Antar]

The smell of poplar and pitch drying in the sun assaulted Antar's senses as he gazed down at the snap crackling wood of the tree stump. Wood pulp that hadn't seen the light of day in over two hundred years seemed to be making popping sounds in the air, like kernels of corn popped in a skillet. It was an enchanting sound to his senses, as he looked at the knoll wondering just what he could make with a six foot diameter stump.

The carver brothers wanted the stump removed, and set as a base for a cabineted table for a client in the city. Probably to bring character to a bar, or to a gambling hall. Such things did come up from time to time, certain oddities that demanded a little extra attention. That wasn't news, nor did it interest him. What was news to Antar is that he was going to be involved in the process to learn how to measure, and make the rounded cabinets and alcoves for the four people who would sit around such a table as well to be overseen for the makings of small designs to be carved into the knoll to enhance its natural lines and beauty from its knots before it was covered in linseed oil to burnish it to a healthy light brown and white shine.

A project he was thrilled to assist in as it would challenge his skills and attention to detail. Reaching into his bag for the first tool he would need, he pulled out a shovel and began to get to work digging around the gnarled roots.