Robinson Crusoe 2244 Read Online Free Page A

know.”
    “At least out there I’ll be free to make my own choices.”
    He chuckled. “A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational.”
    “Thomas Aquinas.”
    This time he blinked. “Your mother gave you a fine education. And a dangerous one. But here is one from Ser Aquinas that you might not know: ‘Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.’ You know none of these. And until you do, I’m afraid you will always be a danger to yourself and those around you.”
    Robinson shook his head. He was tired of lessons and brutality. “It doesn’t really matter, does it? In two days, I will stand before the Regent on the Day of Naming and hear my name read aloud. And then I’ll be on my way to becoming a Tier myself.”
    “And that will make you, what? Exempt from trouble?”
    Robinson shrugged. “If not trouble, at least the lash.”
    For the first time, Robinson saw not contempt in his teacher’s eyes, but pity. “Oh, dear boy. If only that were true.”
     
    Outside, Tessa was waiting. She was dressed in white with sleeves of lace. Her golden hair spilled over her shoulders in curls as she ran to him.
    “Robinson!” she cried, gently taking his hands. “Is it true? Six lashes ?”
    “I guess good news really does travel fast.”
    “Don’t be flippant! The man is a menace! Really, something must be done.”
    “Like what?” he asked. “He spoke of my mother and I got upset. I played right into their hands.”
    “‘Their?’ Who—?” And then she saw it on his face. “Not Jaras.” She cursed. “I swear, my brother’s cruelty knows no bounds.”
    “We can’t really blame him, can we? After all, I have stolen his sister’s hand.”
    She offered a faint smile. “You’ve stolen much more than that.”
    Then she looked down at his arms and her smile disappeared. “He can’t be allowed to get away with this.”
    “He can and he will. He has never liked me. I don’t know why. The point is moot anyway. School is over. I’ll never have to face him again.”
    Her anger dissipated and she kissed his forearms gently. The bruising was garish, but she didn’t care. Among all the male children of Tiers, there were more handsome, more politically inclined. But she had chosen him. They kissed.
    “Kissing a Muckback , Tessa?”
    They spun to see Jaras and his friends approaching. “And in public no less. Have you no shame?”
    “I don’t like that word, Jaras. And he is a son of Tiers, just like you and me.”
    “He’s nothing like you and me. He makes friends of Muckbacks, sneaks around the city like one, and now he’s soiling you with his very presence.”
    Robinson took her by the hand. “We should go.”
    “Go? But the fun is just beginning.” Jaras’s hand shot out and latched onto his forearm. Robinson couldn’t help but squeal with pain. Tessa tried to peel her brother’s grip away, but he was too strong. He was laughing when a voice behind them sounded.
    “Problem?”
    Everyone turned to see Slink approaching. When he stepped right up to Jaras’s face, the smaller teen leaned back, but he didn’t retreat. “We’re sons of Tiers, Muckback . One strike against us and you’ll be walking the Road before a turn is up.”
    Tessa pushed her way in between them. “And one strike against either of them and I’ll tell father. And then we’ll see who’ll be walking the Road.”
    “You wouldn’t dare.”
    “Try me.”
    Jaras was considering his next move when a Taskmaster happened by. He smiled and waited until he was gone.
    “I’m so sick of you, Crusoe. Sick of your face. Sick of your family. Sick of your name. Stay away from my sister or else.”
    “Or else what?” Robinson asked.
    “Or else the real fun will begin.”
    His fellow sycophants laughed and followed Jaras as he turned and strode away.
    “I’m sorry,” Tessa said. “I don’t know what gets into