Chapter 14: Marinah

It's only a half-ball on a flat surface, but it's kicking my butt. I actually feel sorry that Boot is forced to train me because it's a losing proposition. Without King's guarantee Boot won't kill me, I'd be worrying non-stop. Besides grumbling one-word commands, the man hasn't spoken.

"One foot," he barks.

Wow, two actual words.

I'm standing close to the wall so I can use it for balance. My palm hasn't left the smooth surface because I fall as soon as I try to stay upright on my own. "One foot is impossible. I can't even do two."

I wobble and spill the other way, where the wall can't stop my downward progress. At least it's only to my knees. "You've been given a hopeless job," I tell Boot while gaining my feet.

Yeah, he growls at me for that.

I stand and Boot steps closer so I can use his shoulder and the wall to climb the entire six inches onto the squishy plastic. "I'm not even sure what you're trying to accomplish. We've been at it for two hours."

"Four more hours to go." Le