Small in Size

Which way did the little rat go?” demanded the biggest of the street boys.

The shop owner motioned down the street toward the river. “Get out of here, Misha. You’ve tormented that poor halfling and his sister enough.”

He shoved his fists on his hips, stuck out his chest, and lifted his chin. “Who do you think you are telling me what to do?”

The shop owner raised a heavy fist and shook it at the band of boys. “I’m the man who’s going to thrash you if you lay a hand on him one more time.” Faster than they thought possible, his hand shot out and caught Misha by the ear.

A shout of surprise exploded from the boy’s lips. He struggled to pull free of the iron grip, to no avail. “Lemme go!”

He shoved the boy down the street. Misha stumbled off toward the river with his companions scrambling behind him.

“Thank you,” squeaked a small voice from just inside the doorway.

The big man turned back to stare the small boy squarely in the dark eyes. “You and your sister are welcome to stay with me as long as you need. I have an empty spare room that’s just your size.”

He rang his small hands together and dipped a bow. “I’m eternally grateful, Mr. Epham. What do you expect in return?”

A sly smile cracked the man’s lips. “You’re more clever than you look. I actually have a business proposition for you. My employer could use a man like you. All I ask is that you hear him out.”

The halfling boy studied the big man for several long minues. At last, he nodded his consent.

“Good lad,” Epham praised. “I’ll make sure it’s all taken care of. Now, why don’t you and Lila go on upstairs and get settled in.”

After a moment of hesitation, the halfling boy hurried around the corner and behind a stack of crates. “Come on, Lila. Mr. Epham is going to help us out.”

Round dark eyes stared up at him. She nodded slowly and allowed him to lead her into the shop and up the stairs. “What do you have to do?” Lila asked as he closed the room door behind them.

He turned back to meet her gaze. “Don’t worry about it. You’re too young to trouble yourself with such things.”

She shoved her fists on her hips and studied him carefully. “That’s nonsense. You promised you’d be honest with me, all the time, Jamien.”

He threw his hands in the air in surrender. “He just wants me to meet his boss.”

“You’re going to join a guild, aren’t you?” Her tone was acusitory.

“If that’s what I have to do to keep you safe and fed,” he left the statement unfinished.

Her big eyes grew bright with moisture. “But . . .”

He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “No arguements on this one, Lila.”

She threw her hands in the air in surrender.