In the Shadow of the Star: Part 1

[Auriel Haevasawen]

As Ferny tended his bruises, Stoatie sat upon a wonky wooden milking stool opposite the child. He glanced sideways at his supposed master and allowed himself yet another grin.

Although firmly bound Fosco was un-gagged. He tried a verbal jab at his gaoler. "I'm going to get you too. You don't stand a chance against me. And all my family. We're going to mash you to a pulp. Even my sister is going to beat you up."

Stoatie sighed and shook his head. Once more he raised the back of his hand using it as a threat. "Do what yer like to the gov'nor laddie but don't yer dare cross me. He's got a plan or something going on in that head but I don't care if yer live or die."

Fosco swallowed hard and was temporarily silenced. He began to look around the room, or was it a cave? He was a resourceful boy, despite being quite a handful and was already seeking out a means of escape or at least a method by which he could even out the odds between himself and these two bullies.