Chapter 6 - Used

Credence was still asleep when the sun rose above the hilltops, bathing the earth in warm shades of amber and rose. If he could he would have laid there all morning, his arms around the massive snake, holding her close as though she were an oversized teddy bear. But at half past eight the ringmaster entered the tent, his face a mask of indifference as he approached the sleeping wizard.

"Credence." He knelt beside the young man, being careful not to startle the latest addition to his troupe. But when the Obscurial showed no signs of waking, Skender grit his teeth and dug his fingers into Credence's shoulder. "Wake up, boy! You're late for this morning's rehearsal."

The result was instantaneous, with Credence gasping and flattening himself against the side of the bed. "Ma, please, I'm sorry," he whimpered, cowering in the shadows like a frightened animal. "I promise I'll have Modesty up and ready for church in a minute." His eyes widened when he looked up and saw Skender looming over him.

Beside him, the snake hissed and glared at the ringmaster, her eyes glinting dangerously in the early morning sunlight.

"Shove off, Snake Girl," Skender snarled, motioning with a wave of his hand for the serpent to leave them be. "You'll get your turn later this evening, so you'd best save your strength for your performance." He looked back at Credence, who appeared to be on the verge of hyperventilating. "Easy there, lad. You don't want to lose it this close to show time."

Credence flinched when Skender gave him a pat on the shoulder. Just because he was inexperienced in the art of spellcasting didn't mean he was stupid. He heard what Skender told them, and though his mind was lost in a fearful, groggy haze, he was still able to comprehend the meaning of Skender's words.

'He doesn't care about us,' thought Credence. 'He doesn't care about her and he certainty doesn't care about me. All he cares about is how much money we bring in every night.'