Chapter 302- Bullying a small boy

Bullying a small boy

Before Young Master Sun could deliver his slap, a small hand clutched his raised wrist. Not knowing when a dark-haired girl slightly smaller than him had appeared. Although younger, her grip held his hand like the tongs of a blacksmith. With a slight tug, she caused him to tumble a few steps backward while positioning herself at the side of the blue-eyed girl.

"Why are you raising your hand against Hope? State your reason for coming here."

"He came asking about our wolves. I told him politely that they were not for sale but he didn't listen. Then he wanted to pelt them inside the wagon with a stone. When I tried to stop him, Yin, he raised his hand to fight me."

Hope complained to her older companion. Since she sat relaxing on her little perch this morning, none of the curious uncles who visited treated her unfairly.

The two little girls seemed to carry on with their discussion while treating Young Master Sun like a passing breeze.

"How dare you lay your filthy hands on the young master. Do you know who he is?"

Snails shouted. He had been standing not far from his charge when this new girl arrived from behind them. Apparently, from the contents in the bag she carried, she only just returned from the market. Obviously, this cheap servant girl used her harsh hand to disrespect his pampered master.

Young Master Sun sported a livid face on having been what he considered to be disrespected. Besides the strange frock the little girl wore, both of them didn't possess the accompanying servants nor guards associated with nobles. From the looks of the caged wagon with its crooked wooden bars, the merchant owner also didn't seem to be rolling in gold coins.

"Snails, stone down this wagon, I want to see how large one of those wolves is. When you're finished, punish those two girls for me."

The middle-aged man bent over for a stone on hearing the shout. If he performed well for this young master, then the father would certainly allow him to remain as a servant during the boy's tenure in Frost City. Not only would it be an easy life but when the boy succeeded, his status would also increase.

His arm swung back as he aimed for an awesome throw to rattle those sleeping beasts.

Before he could launch the projectile, Snails found himself tossed and spinning backward like a leaf under the mercy of the wind. Confused, he never noticed the slender arm of the blond-haired girl who sent him tumbling. His open jaws excavated a thin trail on the ground when he landed mouth first.

While his companion created a ditch behind him, Young Master Sun felt a hand patting gently on his small shoulder. Looking up, he viewed the smiling face of a black-haired teen. Before he could say anything, the youth released his hand and walked in front of him.

"Greetings young sir, may I inquire as to why you are causing a disturbance at my campsite? I believe you are well aware of the consequences should I report this to the village guards?"

The smiling face and eloquent statement informed the young master that this person possessed an aura matching that of a high ranking merchant or even noble. During his journey, young master Sun learned the ways of a traveling merchant.

One of the most important teachings from his father hovered around keeping good relations with the garrison. A successful merchant always maintained a healthy relationship with the guards of the villages and towns on his route. Only when the need arises should he then call in a favor. Young Master Sun knew that a complaint from this smooth-talking young merchant might cause his old man to waste such a hard-earned favor.

Before he could gather his thoughts in front of this person, the tiny golden-haired girl complained.

"Brother Chu, I told him Amarok and the others were not for sale and he tried to stone them to wake them up. When I stopped him, he tried to slap me. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't return."

"Dram you, you little prest. Do you know who Young Master Sun is? If you don't show respect now, then bear the consequences when I inform our leader. You'd better not try and harm my young master. House Sun is held in high regard among the merchants in Frost City. I hope you can account for this insult..."

Chu raised his hand to pause the angry servant who lisped under the loss of a few front teeth. Keeping his smiling face, he glanced at the servant and then locked eyes with the young master. Very slowly and clearly, he replied.

"Apparently, Young Master Sun and his servant seem to have misunderstood the situation. House Sun owes a debt to these two little girls. Since if not for them, both of you would have long died."

Young Master Sun felt as if a dark chill swirled around him as that smiling face warped to something sinister within his little mind. This older boy possessed a dangerous aura similar to the kind he felt when walking among those slave merchants and tough-looking adventurers.

While the thought of fleeing pressed in his mind, the next few words of the youth stifled his breath.

"You see, that cage has never been locked. And the very last person you would want to attack, are these two defenseless girls..."

Young Master Sun blinked to witness a pair of sinister yellow eyes gazing at him. The deep growl from under those wicked fangs sent their fresh and bloody breath up his nose. The snout of this wild wolf stood mere inches away from his trembling lips. Heaven alone knew when this terrifying beast arrived before him.

His legs buckled as his body fell. Slumping to the ground the yellow liquid spurting and soaking his legs was the least of his concern. He didn't even register the sharp scream and final spluttering squeak of his servant as Snails fainted to the ground.

Then as if a dream, the source of the constriction vanished. All that stood near him was the sinister yet smiling face.

The floodgates opened above and below as Young Master Sun bawled his lungs out and released his bowels...

***

"Did you have to scare that little boy like that, Chu? I think this might rank as one of those unforgettable memories for him. If I had a thousand coins, I could close my eyes to place a bet that the little guy would wet his bed for at least two months."

"I didn't mind reasoning with him but his last words determined his fate. On the road, there is a general tact of understanding between merchants when they park their caravans outside the villages. You can rob each other on the road but the order must be followed when among habitation."

Chu replied to Miki who sat beside him on their supply wagon. A low wind swept across the uninhabited land raising the dust with its welcome breeze.

"Then I think he learned that part of the lesson well. Too bad his old man ended up being an understanding elder. I would have loved to have them try and ambush us on the road. We had a dull journey since leaving Limerock. A little action at the end would have spiced things up."

"Do you think merchants on the road are all dumb to seek a fight? Remember, most of them actually transport nearly all their wealth in goods to maximize their profit. Unless there is no chance of defeat, they won't engage in raiding and pillaging. One report from a survivor means beheading from the garrison. Who would risk wealth and status to live as a bandit outcast?"

Miki nodded as she tossed her long black hair behind her shoulders. True, most merchants built their status over generations so none would want to risk their family fortune. Unless, of course, easy prey entered their eyes.

"I was just hoping you know. Nobody won't try it after you showed that Tower Token to the garrison commander and spun that tale about delivering Fenrir and the others to the Military. Did you see how everyone looked at us when the news spread? Haaa... the Tower really possesses an infallible reputation. I can't wait to make use of it in Frost City."

The girl sighed as she drooped on the modified seat. Chu knew this particular devil prided herself on building up scenarios for others to fall. Even now, Miki maintained her status as the best chess player on the farm.

"You'd better not make any commotion until we sort out the problems of Mr. Thomas. As for that little episode at the village, I already pulled up on Dyna. If she had come out instead of lying lazily on the caravan roof, I wouldn't have had to scare that little boy. It's the reason we left her with Hope and Yin in the first place."

"Haha... maybe, but probably it might have turned out differently. Knowing her, that servant should thank his luck he left with both hands. Besides, you can't fool me Chu. I see it on your face even now, you got a thrill in scaring that servant."

Miki grinned while slapping his shoulder.

A rider galloped from the small rise on the road. The shoulder-length black hair and stubby beard cast him as a young adventurer.

"I've signaled to Dyna to return with the wolves. We're there..."

Ming said.

As the wagon rolled over the hill, the view of an ancient city pulled their eyes from the massive mountains rising behind. Even the broken arches and crumbling walls of the ruined western side added to the mystery of the towering walls of the inhabited part. The road meandered away from them until disappearing in the distance under the large southern gate. Not far away on their left, they saw the tents and buildings of the Military grounds.

Chu could make out the small troops of soldiers heading out or returning from patrol. The city might be about half a day's ride but the increased traffic and security informed him to make his preparations. Miki used his shoulder as support as she stood up.

"Instead of the learning ambiance of Limerock City, I smell action and adventure. I think we will have a fun time here, Chu..."

****