Hey, loyal readers! I know that it's been awhile since I've updated this, but I plan on definitely continuing it as long as my muse will allow me. This obviously isn't a full chapter, but I wanted you all to get a small preview of what's (hopefully) to come and to thank all of you for reading and sticking with me.
"Where will you go? You have no one to turn to but us."
He froze mid-stride, as if a cease in movement would keep him from being seen. But the pirate captain knew he was there as Flynnigan's hand drifted down to the hilt of his sword tucked snugly into the sheath. Suddenly, he spun around to face the captain, knowing that if he wanted to go, to truly separate himself from this situation, he would have to do it the honorable way, because Flynnigan Rider was no coward.
"I can't stay here. I'm not destined for this life," he said confidently, standing as tall as he could.
"We took you in as a boy, provided for you, and taught you our ways, and you choose to repay us by wandering off in the middle of the night?" the captain growled as Flynnigan's fingers tightened around his sword's handle.
"I've more than earned my place here. But I won't do it any longer. I'm leaving. And if I have to go through you, then so be it," he said, seizing his sword from its sheath and brandishing it out in front of him.
He opened his eyes just as the first morning light was peeking its way through a crack in the curtains. After placing The Tales of Flynnigan Rider down on the bedside table of one of the younger boys, along with a short goodbye note to everyone, he gathered his pre-packed satchel and crept out of the room, down the hallway, and out the front door. At the end of the path, he stopped, wondering if he should turn back for one final look…one last glance at the only home he had ever known. No, he thought after a moment. You aren't that little boy anymore. It's time for a new beginning…a fresh start. He took a deep breath in and started walking, no clue where he might be going but certain that no matter where he ended up, it would be of his own choosing. 18 years he was trapped within four walls that held no meaning to him…no comfort, no security, no love…wondering when his life might really begin. And now, in a single moment, it had.