The Blacksmith's Son

Before young Thom could even thank him, the blacksmith proposed that his own son would help to get the abandoned place in order. As the lad no longer had a mother nor an older brother he’d be better of giving a hand than to hang around with the other village brats.
And so, off they walked, the two sons of blacksmiths. Although young Thom had introduced himself to the boy, he got no response except for some fiercely peeking eyes. Then suddenly the boy stated his father was the strongest man of the village and probably of the whole country! Young Thom could not but laugh out loud at this as it was exactly the same thing he would have said at that age! Naturally the boy did not take this too well and insisted that it was all very true. Young Thom was willing to well believe it but could not help to add that no doubt his own father was the strongest man in his days!
While bragging back and forth they quickly reached the old Inn. The boy ran to the entrance while shouting he knew the best room in the house. Young Thom had little choice but to follow the expert. And indeed, it was the best room as young Thom confirmed to the proud boy, but it lacked usable furniture and the window was broken.
Without delay the boy ran away again, this time stating that he would quickly find the best bed available. The boy’s test methods were crude but effective. Out of a dozen beds that he jumped on repeatedly, only two did not break. After the bed was chosen, a quick examination of kitchen and bathroom showed that young Thom would need some tools for repairs and so it was off to the blacksmith’s place again. This time the boy bragged about the trail he was leaving. Young Thom looked over his shoulder and to his horror he saw a line made of drops of blood behind him. The boy had cut his lower leg during the bed jumping and indeed, a nasty cut could be seen, from which ran a constant flow of blood down to the sock and shoe of the boy. The blacksmith’s house was already in sight so carrying on as they were was the best option.
Young Thom feared the father’s reaction, but it was not he, but the son that should have been scared. As the blacksmith examined the cut, he promised the boy to give the wound a firm cleansing with soap and water. With a painful grin, the boy pulled away in agony for the excruciating procedure. Nevertheless the blacksmith sighed to young Thom that the lesson learned would not last merely a week. Young Thom smiled back – more in relief than in reply.

Next : The Bakery