Darkspur

Chapter 4 - A Day of Wonder

Sam had slept late after tossing and turning for what felt like hours the night before. When he did finally drifted off, it was a fitful, dream filled sleep, where he was constantly chased by a contorted shadow of some creature that was somehow always just out of sight.

He was jolted awake by the sound of old Aindrea's hooves outside his open window, noisily clattering on the cobbles as she was led from her paddock. Rubbing his gritty eyes, he peered outside to find his father and Cass standing quietly talking next to the horse. Cass was stroking the old shire horse's forelock as Aindrea nuzzled into the man, playfully pushing at the his chest, trying to get his attention as he talk intently to Hankle. There seemed to be a familiarity between them, Sam guessing the horse just remembered Cass from his previous time at the farm. The Teller noticed Sam, waving, and Hankle beckoned his son to come down and join them.

Sam jumped from his bed, throwing on the previous days his clothes, not caring his vest was on backwards. He charged down the stairs, pulling on his shirt as he jumped the steps two at a time. An untied shoe flew of as he reached the last few steps, sailing across the kitchen and landing on the table, spilling sugar across the wooden surface. He ignored the mess, to anxious to get to his father and see if he brought up the previous evening's conversation. He burst through the kitchen door, one shoe still flapping loosely, scattering the chickens as he half ran, half hopped over to the two men.

"Some-one's in a hurry this morning," Cass laughed. His shining shirt now gone, replaced by one of Hankles white flannel tops, his pack exchanged for a small satchel over his shoulder. The Teller's weapons were also missing.

"I have a few errands to run this morning, Sam," Hankle said. "You can stay here with Cass if you like. I'm sure the two of you will have no problems finding something to do until I get back."

"We'll be fine, won't we, Sam?" Cass put his hand on Sam's shoulder, grinning at Hankle. "And don't you worry, we'll stay out of trouble."

"I don't believe that for an instant, Cass. I may be older but I'm not senile yet." Hankle swung himself nimbly onto Aindrea's bare back, kicking her flanks, trotting out of the yard. He looked back and shouted as an afterthought. "There's always the pig sty to clean out."

Cass and Sam looked at each other, grimacing, "Nah," both said, shaking their heads.

They watched Hankle ride off and as soon as the man was out of sight Cass turned to eagerly waiting boy.

"Well, what shall we do then, Sam?" he asked, rubbing his hands, looking mischievous. "It's a beautiful day and we've got all morning to kill."

"You can tell me about the test for a start." Sam said. He had decided that maybe Cass would be more forthcoming with answers than his father would.

"You were eavesdropping last night," Cass said, pointing a long finger at the boy. "Not very polite that."

"No I wasn't," Sam said defensively. "My window was open, it's not my fault you were so loud."

"I think maybe your father should have this conversation with you, Sam. I'm guessing he wouldn't be too happy if I stuck my nose in." Cass said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Isn't that what you were doing last night?" Sam questioned.

The Teller laughed. "Well, I suppose you're quite correct on that point little man. Lets go for a walk then shall we, and we'll have a little talk. You had breakfast?"

Sam shook his head and Cass produced an apple from the satchel, tossing it to the boy.

"That'll keep you going for now, but keep the core, I'll need it later."