About this story
That night Jim dares you into Cliffe Royal, the shuttered house where Lord Avon's brother was murdered years ago, and you watch a figure descend the stairs and vanish straight into solid paneling. Fleeing, you meet Harrison on some secret errand, just as your uncle, Sir Charles Tregellis, is due tomorrow already asking about the very house.
How it opens
Forge light beat across Champion Harrison's shoulders while sparks framed Boy Jim at the anvil.
Champion HarrisonBellows steady, Rodney; iron notices every interruption even when boys do not.
You worked beside Jim until a private coach swept through Friar's Oak from the Brighton road.
Lord FrederickA roadside smith should thank me for waking him before noon.
Champion HarrisonPull up, master; that careless whip may cost the next stranger an eye.
Choose
Sir, the man you struck is Jack Harrison, once champion of England.
The whip was your fault; an apology requires less skill than a contest.