A Blind World

Chapter 2

"Uppercut."

Thud.

"Jab."

Thud.

"Wide swing."

Thud.

"Halt."

Zisteau looked up at Baj questioningly, wiping sweat from his brow.

"You seem distracted. I can see it in your hits, they're sloppy." Baj says.

"Oh."

"What's wrong my boy?" Baj questions, taking a seat and patting the hay bail beside him.

Zisteau sits down with a sigh. "Mother told me about finding a potential wife the other night."

"Oh, it's that."

"Yeah, but she also told me about the whole being gay thing again. It's like she doesn't trust me to find a girl, or that well...."

"That you'll fall in love with a guy?"

"Yeah."

"Zisteau. I know this is a huge step, but it's just something you must do. And, you know that. But it's not something to rush, this will take time."

Zisteau glances up at Baj. "Thanks Baj, really."

"It's no problem Zisteau. You know you can always talk to me."

Zisteau smiled at Baj, grabbing his sword again. "Im ready to get back to work."

"That won't be necessary Zisteau, I think we're done for today. Why don't you head into town for a while, I'll inform the King of your whereabouts."

"Thanks!" Zisteau says with a bright smile as his practice sword is discarded and he heads towards the gates, leading to the city.

He was thankful to be away from the castle again. Of course he liked it there, it was just stressful at times. He found that the city helped calm him. Let him relax and enjoy the fresh air. This was only the second time he'd been to the city without a guard, but it was nice, and definitely something he could get used to.

It was a beautiful day again, not a cloud in the sky. The sun shinned down, warming the air. A light breeze rustled the leaves around him. He was always in awe at how beautiful this place was. His father had done an amazing job. After the last war, which was before his time, the kingdom had been left in shambles. But his father took over and made it beautiful again.

He glanced around him, seeing the main square. It was earlier this time, compared to past time he had gone out, but the town was still bustling. People entering and leaving shops, kids running around, laughing, screaming, playing, couples with arms linked walking peacefully through the square. He spotted a nice little restaurant on the corner. He would have lunch there and then maybe go for a walk. As he headed towards the small restaurant, he spotted a tall lanky boy walking beside a wolf like dog. That made him smile. He jogged over to Kurt, calling his name.

"Kurt!"

Kurt looked startled and squinted towards Zisteau. He looked confused, but greeted the blurry person with a wave. "Hi."

"Hey." Zisteau said with a smile. "I was heading to lunch, would you like to join me?"

"Oh.... uh... I didn't bring any gold with me...."

"That's fine, I'll pay for you."

"Zisteau.... you don't have to do that..."

"It's fine! My treat!"