Tala

Chapter Two Part Three

Image by Shima Abedinzade from Pixabay

The sun was setting, casting orange and purple streaks across the sky. After sleeping in, Jakin had a successful work day and fulfilled several more orders.

Whistling, he walked through the marketplace, purchasing what food he needed for the week. He went to the baker for his bread, the butcher for one cut of meat (the only one he could afford all week), and the vegetable stand for other supplements to his meals. He haphazardly stuffed everything into his knapsack and shouldered the bag.

Sometimes I miss Master Bram, Jakin thought. Bram was the blacksmith and silversmith who had taken him when he was orphaned as a boy. Cantankerous but wealthy, Bram could afford to eat fine-cut meats almost every night. But he’s dead, just like the others. That thought soured his mood. Although Bram died of ill health instead of a Skazic attack, Jakin had felt like he had lost his second father. Everyone dies, and I’m all alone. Jakin slapped his cheeks. Stop that, …