Torrin

Torrin-Part 2

Chapter 2

The next morning I awoke earlier than usual, the sun was nowhere near being close to rising. Thoughts from the previous day rushed through my head and my stomach knotted as the dread grew. Today could be my last day in this house. I shook off the distracting thoughts, got up, and began to get dressed. Everything I owned was the same, tattered, discoloured, and old. My clothing was the same, I wondered why I was being so careful getting dressed today. What I'm wearing shouldn't matter but somehow I thought maybe if I wear my most tattered clothing I would not get taken away.

Father was making noise in the kitchen so I wandered to the table and plopped onto a chair. We didn't speak through breakfast, although we both had the same thing on our minds. As we cleared away breakfast there was a loud banging on the door. I caught fathers eye, knowing what was coming, and nodded my head. I was ready, I wouldn't run and hide. He went to the door and opened it to reveal the towns sherrif Craw Daves. The only half giant- half dwarf ever heard of, As you can imagine there would be special issues in such a relationship. This thought almost made me laugh, Craw looked at me as if I had gone mad and began his speech.

"Mr. Juda Dufalan, I am here to carry out the law of payment for Mr. Acacius. Do you have his traps?" He said with an air of authority.

"No" father sighed, "I do not."

"Well then you know what happens next. Son," Craw said looking at me "pack you bags. You're coming with me."

I met my fathers' tear filled eyes and tried to stay strong for him. We went into my room and father watched my pack away my meagre belongings. When I had finished I went to see my mother. Her skin was so pail in the early morning light I could have mistaken her for a corpse. I took her hand and began to speak.

"Mother." I whispered, "I'm going away on a trip for a while. I promise I will be back soon. Ok."

All I got in return was a light squeeze of her frail hand. She was so weak. I got up and left the room before the tears that were building could overflow. Unable to look at my father, I went to my room to get my rucksack. Craw was grumbling as I passed by.

"Hurry up boy!" He shouted, "I have things to do and you are slowing me down something fierce!"

I mumbled a reply and retrieved my bag. My life would never be the same again.