First Lesson,,, I Want Iron Man

Long Ago –

In a distant land, there lived a blacksmith named Jamie. He was exceptionally skilled in his craft. With masterful hands, he could forge all kinds of tools and ornaments by heating iron or copper.

Every day, Jamie’s workshop bustled with people. Some came with work to be done, while others simply stood by, marveling at the precision of his craftsmanship. Jamie worked tirelessly with astonishing finesse. He made ploughshares for farmers, sharp knives and arrowheads for hunters, and delicate ornaments—like bangles and earrings—for everyday folks. With ease, he could engrave intricate designs. A simple object, once in Jamie’s hands, would be transformed into something extraordinary.

Jamie started his day's work at dawn each day. When the sun had not yet risen and the air was still cool, he would light the furnace. Just a few pumps of the black leather bellows, and the charcoal would burst into a blazing fire. In moments, the small workshop would heat up, ready for a day’s labor.

The actual work would then begin. One early morning –

Jamie had just opened his shop when a group of strangers arrived.

Jamie was startled.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“The King has summoned you,” they replied. “He has heard of your skill and has a special task for you. You must come with us immediately.”

Jamie’s heart leapt with joy. He felt like dancing. He quickly put on his best clothes. What could the King possibly want from a mere blacksmith like him? The thought filled Jamie with excitement and disbelief.

As he walked along the road, Jamie skipped and jumped with joy, shouting to the early risers, “The King has called for me! He has work for me! Pray for me, friends—for my success and good fortune!”

Eventually, Jamie reached the royal palace. Towering gates stood before him, guarded by soldiers in colorful attire. They blocked his way and made him wait for a while. Then, finally, permission was granted for him to enter.

As Jamie stepped inside the grand palace, he was awestruck. There were many magnificent items on display and elaborately carved doors adorning the vast court chamber. At the center stood an enormous throne, where the King sat, cloaked in a majestic robe lined with lion’s skin.

Jamie bowed low and paid his respects, kneeling humbly before the King. He remained with his head bowed, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place.

The King then spoke. “Oh blacksmith, I have heard much about you. People from across the kingdom seek your craftsmanship. Your work is praised throughout the land.”

Jamie kept his head down, too shy to look up.

“But,” continued the King, “I have summoned you for something very different.”

With a clap of his hands, the King summoned his guards. They entered, carrying large chunks of iron and laid them at the King’s feet.

“You are to take these pieces of iron,” the King commanded, “and forge a man out of them. But it cannot be just a statue. This iron man must be alive. He must walk, move, think, speak, and even cry—just like a real human being. I want an iron man who is indistinguishable from flesh and blood.”

Jamie was stunned. He stared at the King in disbelief. Was this a joke?

But no.

The King continued, “You have one month. If you succeed, you will be rewarded handsomely. But if you fail… you will have to die.”

Shocked and speechless, Jamie lowered his head and slowly left the royal court.

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You’ve already heard the story of Jamie’s beginning—how an ordinary blacksmith, through his skill and dedication, caught the attention of the king. But the king gave him an extraordinary task: to create an iron man with life. That command turned Jamie’s life in an entirely new direction.

In this second chapter, we will bring you the next update of that incredible journey.