Writing Adventures

Flash Friday: Final Exam

5th February, 2010 - No Comments

“Time to go to work.” The little band scattered out into the market. “Be careful.” he whispered, but they were gone.

Thom stood against the wall of the Singing Bear. His charges, three boys and two girls, all about seven years old, wandered through the crowd. He could see their paths, ripples of disturbed adults. They had been training for three months and this was their final exam.

A loud scream drew his attention to the far left of the square. A guard was holding Chris off the ground by one arm. He was wriggling and kicking to no avail. Thom shook his head and looked down as the guard carried the boy away.

A shout and a minor scuffle to the right, but Sara scurried away without being caught. Seamus reappeared beside Thom without warning and handed over a large purse then slipped away again. Ruby wandered in and out of sight, munching on various sweets. Thom noted her shirt was more stuffed each time she passed, as well.

Thom stared intently at the swarm of people milling about. Xander was nowhere to be seen. There was no ripple, no disturbances, no sign of the fifth young pickpocket. He and Seamus were the best of the bunch, but Xander did not like to show off. He would not reappear until he was done.

The sun was setting as Thom turned back to base. Ruby joined him, still munching on a pie. Seamus caught up next, turning over yet another purse. Sara was sitting in the alley waiting. They all went inside. Xander stood against the wall, his belt bulging with gold and Chris standing shame-faced behind him.

“Couldn’t let him lose his hand, or his head.” Xander explained.

“Thank you, that was thoughtful.” Thom dumped all their profits on the table. “Most of you did quite well today. Get some sleep, we’ll talk in the morning.