A Moment of Weakness for Reuben

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A Moment of Weakness


Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @phillipaf

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

the random number generator selected . . .
18. My muse is been beaten badly and is in bad shape, yours finds mine in this state.

This, was the problem and on going risk of being here, among the ton during the season. During social events, Rueben could not take the security he preferred and was accustomed to. Most of the time, they had to wait outside by his carriage. And during this particular evening, someone had taken advantage. There was a rival group here who was seeking to eliminate him and tonight, they had struck . . . more successfully than their previous attempts, much to Slade's disappointment.

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Having taken him, they took the few moments they would have and did significant damage. Each punch, each kick was felt, but Rueben remained silent, refusing to give his attackers the satisfaction of hearing him in pain. It was a wonder they had not actually kill him. Perhaps this was meant to send message, but whatever the reason, Rueben had woken up to a dark, now vacant alleyway. He could taste blood in his mouth and the throbbing of various parts of him -- chest, leg, and face. He looked around, inwardly cursing at the one thing that would hinder him the most: his cane. Sitting up a bit he braced himself as he worked to lift himself to a stand. His hand was outstretched to gain support from the brick wall beside him and he began to walk. Or attempt to.

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The lack of support from his cane served as a significant hindrance, straining his injured leg and the wounds on the rest of his body certainly did not help. Yet, the only thing he could think of was his daughter, and that if he did not keep moving . . . then she may be left an orphan. He saw a figure in the distance, knowing he would soon be discovered so attempted to decide whether he should keep moving forward, or hide in the darkness until the area was empty of people -- especially at this hour. Thinking of his daughter, he went for the first option . . . slowly staggering his way forward aware that assistance would be required to get him back home. Or until his people would find him.

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Tonight's event had been so much fun that Philipa had opted not to go home with her family and the carriage was then send back just for her.  She was dancing the last dance when she finally decided it was time to go home.  On the ride home her driver had stopped for a broken wheel.  While she waited as it was fixed Philipa had climbed out of the carriage.  She had wandered just a bit then she saw some kind of movement in a dark alley.  Without a thought she ran to help the man, she forced him to lean on her and then called to her driver to help her.

Once they got him settled in the carriage with her, then she looked at him closer and almost laughed.  It was the rock but she could not harass him with that right now.  Where do you live?  We will take you there.


Reuben Slade