“Twenty dreckles,” Ezra said. 

“Twenty? You’re a thief you know that?” 

“Maybe,” Ezra said. “Still, it’s worth it and you know it.” 

The men shuffled nervously and gave one another a cautious glance. Finally, one nodded to the other and they both reached back into their pockets and removed the money. They placed it in Ezra’s hand and didn’t say another word. Instead, they crawled back to their perch atop the wagon, and sent the horses forward at a gallop. 

The cart bumbled along until it eventually rounded the corner out of site. Once it was gone, Ezra sprinted away to find Bet and Will tucked in a nearby alley.  Will fought to keep from crying, the pain was now worse than it had ever been. Bet just stood above him, saying nothing and looking nervously over her shoulder. 

As soon as Ezra got to them she spoke. “He’s gotta go now,” she said. “He’s really hurt.” 

“Fine,” Ezra said. “We’ve got the money now. Let’s go.” 

“Come on Will,” Bet said. “It’ll be ok.” 

This was awful. Will had never remembered hurting this badly. It was like his brain was clouded from making any clear decisions. All he could do was follow Ezra and Bet.  

After what seemed forever, the three of them were outside a stone building with a sign above its wooden door. The sign read “Light Source Care,” and it swung gently back and forth in the soft, chilly breeze. 

“That’s it.” Ezra pointed at the door. “Now we gotta get your bird hidden. Where do you want to put it?” 

“Um… I have no idea. I… I can’t even think right now,” Will said. 

“Then keep it simple, just tell her to stay on the roof or something. That sound ok?” Ezra seemed far more sympathetic than usual.  

“Will she do that?” 

“I think so. Just tell her very clearly.”  

Will leaned his head toward Swoop and began to speak. He couldn’t even connect his eyes to hers. It was just so hard to focus. “Listen, Swoop,” he said. “I want you to stay outside. Go up to the roof of the building and wait for me to come out. I don’t know how long this’ll take, but wait for me ok? I’ll come back. I promise.” 

Swoop seemed to understand because she left his shoulder immediately. Will didn’t see where she went, so Bet filled him in. 

“She followed your instructions. She’s on the roof,” Bet said.  

“She’s going to be fine.” Ezra actually patted Will on the shoulder. “Now, let’s head inside. Just do what the Mender says, and I’ll make sure he gets paid.” 

The three of them crossed the street and stopped at the large wooden door. Bet was closest and gave it several loud knocks. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal a strange looking man. He was old and weathered, and he had long white hair that had been tied into a wispy braid. 

“Hello there,” he said smiling awkwardly. “How exactly, may I help you?” 

“We need a Mender,” Ezra said. 

The man studied the three of them intently, then finally spoke. “To which one of you will I be offering my services?” 

Ezra let out a snort.  

“The one with the broken arm,” Bet said as if it was the clearest thing in the world. 

“Oh,” the man said. “Yes, that arm doesn’t look well at all. Well then, come along. Step inside.”  

Is the inside of the building clean or messy?

Clean

Messy

This Poll is Closed