The Lion of Ackbarr: A shape shifter fantasy by Erme Lander

Author:Erme Lander [Lander, Erme]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Daisy
Published: 2017-12-14T18:30:00+00:00

Gavin was working out, using his heavy wooden training sword as they came into the courtyard. He stopped and leant on it, sweating in the still air.

“Hey Mikon, where’d you get the monkey? You know pets aren’t allowed.”

Mika snorted. Before she could reply, Jon piped up, “Watch it big stuff, I got a knife.”

Gavin laughed and choked out, “I’m scared, don’t threaten me, can’t you see my knees are knocking?” He turned serious, “Mikon, Marta isn’t going to be pleased with you bringing him into her kitchen.” Mika shrugged and dragged Jon off to the bathhouse.

Jon stared at the pool, “I’ve been here before.”

“Yeah right. Now, strip and wash yourself. That’s soap, use it and wash all over. I’m going to be checking.”

“I don’t remember anything about baths being part of this.” Jon turned stubborn.

Mika took a breath to reply that he had to be clean, when a shadow came in the doorway and they both turned to see Marta standing, arms folded.

“Jon, I remember you from when your mother came here to wash clothes for me.” His mouth hung open, Mika hadn’t seen him lost for words before. Marta turned to her, “Gavin told me that I might want to see what you’d brought in.”

“I don’t like any of the boys Belindros wants me to take on.” Marta nodded as she stumbled for words, “They all seem so sure of themselves, too proud, looking down on me, I can’t teach them.”

“The idea is that you learn how to get them to do as you want, before you start on the patients. Not everything is easy Mikon. You think a street child would be easier?”

“Jon’s bright, he can learn.”

“It won’t be easy. Jon, you will wash yourself. I will be checking.” Jon nodded, unusually subdued. Marta drew Mika out of the room. “I knew his mother, she was a good woman. I lost contact with Jon after she died. Do you understand what you are doing?”

“Doesn’t he deserve a chance?”

“He’s a street child, do you know what habits he has?” She saw Mika bristle. “Yes, you might enjoy your days off with him and I can see why, he was an engaging child three years ago, but now.” She shook her head. “You realise he’s only ten. He’s younger than the others, less educated and smaller. Is this fair on him?”

“I like him.”

Marta sighed, “Well, I shan’t say anything about his age, but it’s up to you to keep him in line.”

Jon appeared with a towel wrapped around his skinny body. His skin showed several shades lighter and the tide marks showed he’d had an honest attempt at washing. Marta took hold of an ear and inspected him as he wriggled. “I will get you a new tunic, then Mikon will de-louse you and you can eat before you see Belindros.” Jon muffled his squeak of protest at the mention of food.

Marta showed Mika the disgusting process of the nit comb. They ended up cutting off most of Jon’s hair, while he whinged that they’d pulled most of it out.

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