The Boondocks~Medieval Times

8) Rounded Up & Planned Out

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Huey walks with Riley and Cynthia on his sides. Anxiousness is written in his expression as he strides towards the blacksmith's shop. He looks around. The town wasn't as messy as the night before, people go about their day normally, as if they were no party. His eyes lock on the square where most dancers acted.

Jazmine grabs Huey's arm and tries to pull him closer to the square. "Come!"

Huey shakes his head furiously. "I cannot dance!"

"Me neither!" Jazmine grabs both his arms and spins him in a circle before jumping around like the others. Huey is a stiff partner. "Come on! It is easy!" Jazmine follows the lead of the others, Huey watches the movement of Jazmine's feet and does the opposite. Jazmine grins. "Yes! That's it!"

He feels a pull tug on his lips, but stops before his brother or the witch see. He glances at the sign above the stone building.

Caesar's Armours & Weapons

Riley pushes the heavy door open, coughing at the dust that enters his nostrils. Cynthia's nose wrinkles and she frowns at the darkness. I fail to understand why blacksmiths work not with light. Huey steps forward, leading. It wasn't dark dark, only to the point where a small amount of light streamed into the room through one window.

Clank!

Clank!

Huey gestures at the two to follow and they do obediently, into the next room.

A man hits hot metal with a hammer that not even Huey could carry, his hands covered protectively in resistant gloves. Huey and Riley recognise him immediately. Caesar's father. He looks up as the teenagers enter and stops his activity, taking off his goggles. "You children looking for trouble?"

Huey answers. "No, sir."

"Then welcome to Caesar's." He smiles, pulling off his gloves. "How can I help you today?"

Huey opens his mouth and closes it again. If we tell him were the ones who want emblems, he will not make them. He looks at Riley for inspiration. Riley just shrugs.

"We ask if you could make us three emblems," Huey tells him, "The size appropriate for a necklace. We need them today."

"Emblems? You do understand making such is a costly price, do you not, little ones?"

In response, Riley pulls out a pouch of gold coins from his pocket, jiggling them. Sir Caesar grins. "Making these will take time, I suggest you come back at sunset."

He walks around and reaches for the pouch, which Riley pulls away. "Not until they are finished."

"Heh. Fair enough." He squints at the two. Riley and Huey exchange looks. Then Sir Caesar's eyes widen in recognition. "Riley? Huey? Is that you?"

"....."

"It is!" He laughs as he pulls them both into hugs with each of his arms, crushing them both. Cynthia smiles shyly at the reunion. Sir Caesar pulls away, holding both their cheeks. "So big! W-What happened to you?!"

"We...left," Huey answers.

"Without a word? A sign? Michael was very depressed..."

Huey and Riley look down in shame.

"But you are back now!" He pulls them into another bone crushing hug. "We must feast!"

"We cannot, sir," The two pull away gently. "We are in a hurry to get back to our grandfather."