A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,59

beard, wearing a brown leather apron over his tan cotton clothing. He saw Hailyn and Jake come in and came out from behind the counter to greet them, a welcoming smile on his face.

"Good morning, Hailyn." He said with a slight bow. He gave Jake a nod. "Welcome, stranger. What brings you into my store today?"

"Good morning, Master Jendering." Hailyn said in greeting, nodding her head. "My friend here, Jake, is new to our city and is in need of some footwear. I know that you are one of the best cobblers in the city, so we hope you can assist us."

"I am sure I can. Which do you want – boots or shoes?"

"I don't know…" Jake started, looking around the room, when Hailyn cut him off.

"Master Jonas told me that he believes that Jake should have some boots, preferably ones that resist water." She said, giving a Jake a quick smile for interrupting. "He may need to travel in the future and such boots are better for rough journeys."

Jendering looked at Jake, one eyebrow raised in curiosity, waiting. Jake shrugged and said. "That sounds fine to me."

He motioned Jake towards the chairs. "Please, come and sit, so I can measure your size."

Jake sat down in one of the wooden chairs and unlaced his sandals as Jendering went behind the counter to get a pad of paper and a small knotted rope. He came back over to Jake, kneeling, handing Jake's sandals to Hailyn and using the rope to measure his feet. He took several measurements, scribbling down his numbers, then stood.

"You are in luck today. You may not have to wear those sandals while I make your boots, as I believe that I have a pair of boots that will fit you, Jake." Jendering said, wandering over to his shelf. He grabbed a pair of tall black leather boots with laces up the side and turn down flaps at the top. He stopped and reached into a drawer and pulled out a pair of light-weight cotton socks. He brought them back over to Jake, handing him the socks.

"Here, Jake. Put on the socks and we will see how the boots fit."

Jake pulled on the socks as Jendering knelt and unlaced the boots, setting them next to Jake's feet. Jake grabbed the left boot and slipped it on. It was a just a bit tight in the foot and he told Jendering that.

"A little tightness is expected; the leather is soft enough that it will stretch a bit after it is worn." Jendering replied. "Put the other one on and lace them up. We'll see how they feel as you walk around."

Jake laced up the boots and walked around the store a bit. The boots felt pretty good actually, so he decided that he would take them.

"How much for the boots, Master Jendering?" Hailyn asked, pulling out her pouch. "Master Jonas would like Jake to have two pairs of boots, so I will double the price, if you can make another pair in his size."

Jendering stroked his short beard. "I can easily make another pair; I have a couple of apprentices who need the work. I will make those brown, if you like, Jake." Jake nodded his assent.

Jendering held up a hand. "I will not accept any payment for these boots. I give them as a gift to the Temple."

"That is not necessary, Master Jendering." Hailyn protested. "You have mouths to feed and apprentices to support."

"I will not take any payment, I said." Jendering said, face taking on a stubborn look.

He walked over to the counter, reached over and came back with a small vial which he handed to Jake. "Jake, when you take off the boots tonight, rub some of this oil on them. It will help soften the leather and repel water."

He looked back at Hailyn. "Do you want me to bring the other pair of boots to the Temple?"

"Thank you for your generosity, Master Jendering." Hailyn said, bowing her head while Jendering waved away the compliment. "Jake is staying at Master Norlan's home. Please have the boots taken there."

"I will see them delivered in a few days." The door opened and another customer came in. "If you will excuse me? It was a pleasure meeting you, Jake." Jendering stuck out his hand.

"My pleasure, as well." Jake replied, shaking his hand. "Thank you for the boots." Master Jendering gave him a smile, a nod to Hailyn and went over to the other customer. Hailyn and Jake left the