As she opened the oak door, the sound of high-pitched yelling filled the air. Her eyes glittered in satisfaction as she saw Tabbic was holding the struggling figure of Octavian in the air with one brawny arm. The metalworker looked up as the door opened, and turned the boy to face her when he saw it was Alexandria.

“You won’t believe what this one just tried to sell me,” he said.

Octavian struggled even more ferociously when he saw who had come in. He kicked at the arm that held him suspended apparently without effort. Tabbic ignored him.

Alexandria darted across the shop to the two of them.

“Where’s my brooch, you little thief?” she demanded.

Tabbic opened his other hand and revealed the silver eagle, which she took and pinned back in place.

“Walked in as bold as anything and told me to make him an offer!” Tabbic said angrily. Completely honest himself, he hated those who saw thieving as an easy life. He shook Octavian again, taking out his indignation on the boy, who whimpered and tried to kick him again, his eyes looking around for escape.

“What shall we do with him?” Tabbic asked her.

Alexandria thought for a few moments. As tempting as it might be to beat the boy all the way down the street, she knew her possessions could still be snatched up by his little fingers at any time. She needed a more permanent solution.

“I think I could persuade his mother to let him work for us,” she said thoughtfully.

Tabbic lowered Octavian until his feet touched the floor. Immediately, the boy bit his hand and Tabbic hoisted him again with casual strength, leaving him to dangle in futile rage.

“You have to be joking. He’s little better than an animal!” Tabbic said, wincing at the white tooth marks on his knuckles.

“You can teach him, Tabbic. There’s no father to do it, and the way he’s going, he won’t live to grow up. You said you needed someone to work the bellows, and there’s always sweeping up and carrying.”

“Let me go! I’m not doing nothing!” Octavian yelled.

Tabbic looked him over. “The boy’s skinny as a rat. No strength in those arms,” he said slowly.

“He’s nine, Tabbic. What do you expect?”

“He’ll run as soon as the door opens, I’d say,” Tabbic continued.

“If he does, I’ll fetch him back. He’ll have to come home sometime and I’ll wait for him there, spank him, and turn him round. Being here will keep him out of trouble, and it’ll be useful for both of us. You’re not getting any younger and he could help me at the forge.”

Tabbic let Octavian touch the floor again. This time he did not bite, but watched the two adults warily as they discussed him as if he weren’t in the shop.