Chapter 11: Running from Sharks
The sound of steel whistling through air filled the backyard of the inn. With some clever persuasion, Jacob had convinced Rod to reduce the price of Will's stay in exchange for taking over all of Rod's duties until winter was over. Jacob figured the older man could spend more time in town, but he had to wonder what exactly was happening to Rod. He shook his head, paying attention to the form Will was demonstrating.
It was full of decisive movements; once committed, nothing would stop Will's blade. It left him with visible openings, openings Will had made plenty of effort to point out to his pupil. The beauty of the warrior's style was that so long as your steps were faster, and surer, than your opponent's, no amount of bladework could turn the heavy sword.
Jacob mimicked the movements with his veritable log. The thick stick sat awkwardly in his hands, but Will insisted on the importance of beginning with the basics. "You may only hold a sword when you know how to use it," the mercenary had said many times. Prick.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, pooling around him as he swung his stick in place. There was no art to it – no style. Will called it stamina practice, an important prerequisite before Jacob could learn foot and bladework.
Sometimes, Angelica would come to watch. It wasn't typically for long – sword practice didn't interest her – but she made a show of being there for Jacob. It was a gesture he really appreciated, and one he knew he wanted to pay back to the girl. Maybe he'd go watch her while she was sewing one of these days. Unless sewing wasn't a spectator sport?
"That's enough of that, Jacob. Go run a circle around town and that'll be it for today. If you can beat yesterday's record, we'll start on footwork tomorrow. Your time starts now!" Will grinned devilishly, enjoying the startled expression on Jacob's face.
He took off jogging, gradually increasing his speed to a sprint towards the middle of his run. His legs complained at the strain he placed on them, but his record was already near the best he could do. He'd need to work extra hard. With footwork as a carrot, he felt a second wind overcome him.
Just as he felt confident in beating his time, he heard a whimper from a side alley. It sounded very human-like, and whatever it was sounded hurt. With a reluctant shake of his head, he skidded to a stop. Warily approaching the alley, Jacob peeked within to find a young boy curled up into a ball.
The child was nearly at tears, though he made an admirable effort to stifle his sobs. Jacob called out to him softly. "Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah, I'm 'kay. Jus' a little bruised, is all," the boy told him confidently, though Jacob heard tremors in his voice.
"Sure, and I'm a monkey's uncle. You're not fine at all," Jacob said, approaching the boy to see dark bruises covering his skin. It looked like abuse, though Jacob didn't want to accuse anyone of anything, yet. "Let me take you to the Golden Gizzard. Angelica'll patch you up real fast," Jacob offered, though it didn't seem to get through to the boy. Stranger danger and all that.
"I can't leave home," the boy whispered.
"Listen, don't tell the owner, but I'm pretty sure I can get you a couple of free bowls of soup. That sound good?" Jacob offered, knowing that most of the inhabitant of Leafburrow weren't even close to wealthy. In the middle of winter, food was scarce. Rod had the Golden Gizzard well-stocked just in case, so Jacob was sure the old man wouldn't mind indulging Jacob in charity.
"Can I bring some back to Ma?" the boy asked, hope in his eyes. Jacob hesitated, concerned that it had been the boy's mother who had injured him like this, but he knew that he had to agree.
"Of course, you can. I'll make her a bowl of my best," Jacob promised.
That did the trick. The boy allowed Jacob to pick him up, and the duo traveled across town to return to the inn. There would be no record-setting today, but there would always be a next day. Will was lounging at one of the tables, feet resting on the tabletop. The boy paused before following Jacob in, but the aromas still lingering after Will's meal convinced him.
Jacob sat the child down near Will, certain that the warrior would be able to regale the boy while he went to fetch Angelica. So focused on his mission was he that he nearly bumped into his target halfway up the stairs. "Perfect! Angelica, would you mind grabbing some of that bruise ointment you had? I've got someone who looks like they could use a barrel's worth, and then some."
Angelica reversed directions without a word, hurrying to get her supplies. She had to be the most careful person that Jacob knew. Who else kept a whole first-aid bag in their room? He returned downstairs to find Will talking to the boy, telling him about how he knew someone that had slain a wyrm. Jacob ground to halt when he caught that snippet. Those existed?
He cleared his mind of the thought; there'd be plenty of time for that later. He deposited two bowls in front of the boy, and as promised, a third with a cloth covering on top to take home to his mother. Angelica sat next to the child, applying ointment to the worst of the bruises. Jacob took the seat opposite the boy, clearing his throat. "So, what in the world happened to you?" he asked.
The boy looked uncomfortable, but he obliged Jacob's question. "The bad men came again. They told Ma that she was running late on giving them money, or something. Then they hurt me, told her that they'd do worse next time. Ma left to go get Pa, but he was at the lumberyard," the boy explained without taking a breath. "I need to get back before they worry. Can I take the bowl?" he pointed to the covered one.
"Of course," Jacob smiled, though his heart roiled. It looked like you couldn't get rid of loan sharks, no matter what world you lived in. A light breeze entered the common room, though no doors were open.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Worldtraveler
Worldtraveler Hey! If you guys wouldn't mind, drop me a review if you can! I'd love to know how I'm doing and what I can do better.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone