The Curse of the Gale Mansion

Chapter 3

Watching Casper practice sword fighting was probably Will's newest favorite thing to do.

Casper's instructor Mr. Beane would visit the Gale Mansion every Wednesday after lunch. He'd pull up in his wagon and click around the mansion to the library. There he'd find Casper waiting respectfully, his training sword ready.

Will would sink into one of the library's many armchairs, grab a book, and watch Casper over it. Most of the time he was trying not to laugh. That's how much Casper sucked.

"Stop! Stop!" Mr. Beane yelled for the millionth time.

Casper obeyed, looking a bit flustered.

"How many times do I have to tell you! Do not use the sword as a sword but as an extension of your body."

Casper sighed, "That's what I don't understand."

Will couldn't help it. A giggle shot right out his mouth. Both Mr. Beane and Casper turned to him. He smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, just slipped out."

Mr. Beane glared at him, "Hmmm, that must be a very funny book then."

"Uh, yes sir," Will glanced at Casper who was giving him a cold stare. Will choked back a laugh, quickly hiding behind his book.

"Go on." Mr. Beane said to Casper.

"How do I use the sword as an extension of my arm when I know it's just a sword? Cause' that's logically impossible-your sword an extension of-"

"Curse logic!" Mr. Beane shook his head, "All it does for you is nothing! All those numbers and ruuules! Pah!"

Will was wheezing.

"Now go on. I want to see that routine again!"

There was a moment of silence then: "Stop! Stop!"

Casper groaned, "What did I do wrong this time?"

"You suddenly have disgusting posture! Fix it! Swordfighting is an art! Not a...whatever you just did. Straighten your back! I want to see no bends in those news! And be graceful, my dear! Graceful!"

Will was at the point where he couldn't breath.

"Now. Again!" Mr. Beane demanded, then a second later, "Stop! Stop!"

The rest of Casper's practice went on like this. By the time the huge clock mounted on the library wall announced it was three o'clock Casper looked half dead.

"Remember to practice!" Mr. Beane said as he buttoned up his coat.

"Yes sir." Casper mumbled.

"And remember every day. Thirty minutes every day." Mr. Beane popped on his hat, "And boom! You will be master. Like me."

Casper forced a smile, "Of course, sir."

Mr. Beane smiled, "Good," he patted Casper's shoulder, "And you over there!"

Will looked up.

"Remind your friend to practice. Good?" Mr. Beane asked.

Will blushed, "Yes, sir."

"Good," Mr. Beane headed for the door, "Thirty minutes a day! Thirty minutes a day! Thirty mi-"

The library doors slammed shut behind him.

Casper sighed, defling into a blue couch. He looked so defeated. The glare he gave Will could've withered forests.

"Well. You're sure you were enjoying yourself."