Tom loved watching the boats. He'd stand there alone in a crowd of traders, captains and merchants in his usual haze, his arrowhead focus scanning the horizon for blazing Jolly Roger flags. It was his only solace when his father forced him along the horrendous journey to the docks, in hopes of trading their meager wool for something of value. He sighed; completely oblivious to his fathers' stomps that came nearer and nearer.
"Oi Tommy! I didn't bring you along to stand there and look pretty! The wool isn't turning into coins anytime soon! Go make yourself useful and set up our table, boy."
He muttered something that sounded like yes sir and slouched over to their designated spot. After putting up their trade post, Tom helped his old father try to catch customers' attention in the crowded market. He counted coins and laid out merchandise until the sun started to set. The whole day had been a blur of faces and coin sacks until his father turned deadly calm and faced him.
"Tom."
"Yes father?"
"Did you forget to tie up our mule?"
"I thought you had, father."
The old man held Toms jaw and jerked it towards the vacant post.
"Then please enlighten me on her whereabouts," he hissed.
Tom gulped under the hands increasing pressure. They were starting to catch people's attention. He could only pray that being in a crowd would stop his father from going any further.
"Stop right there lad or I won't think twice about removing that grip you have the hard way."
A man had suddenly materialized from the crowd, brandishing a dagger. He was clad in a long black jacket, face hidden in the shadow of his tricorn hat.
A pirate, Tom thought in awe.
YOU ARE READING
Skelton Legacy
AdventureThomas Mabel can ride a mule until his rear goes numb, raise and shear and herd a flock of sheep, and most importantly, withstand the abuse of his father for sixteen years without a single complaint. Sadly anything beyond the whimsical tales of scal...
