Chapter Ten

"Wake up, son".

Ryke tossed and turned in bed, the next thing he felt was a slap on his face.

"When I say wake up, you do it immediately. Now get ready, we are going on a trip".

Ryke stood up, trying to fight the tears forming in his eyes.

He had never understood why his father hated him so much. He was only ten years old and he had experienced enough beatings to last him two lifetimes.

He passed his mother on his way out, and she smiled at him while trying to hide her swollen eyes.

There was no point really.

"Hurry up boy, only a woman drags her feet".

"I'm coming Dad".

Ryke stilled, "I'm sorry Dad. I mean Sir".

Richard smiled at his son, "You know what. I'm in a good mood today so I'll let it slide".

The trip took forever. The snow seeped into his clothes.

His father had forbidden him from wearing a jacket saying, "I am training you to be a strong man. Strong men can withstand anything".

"We are here", Richard announced.

Ryke stood, trying to keep his eyes open. The snow was becomin