Chapter 35: Breaking point.
During the next several days Lee mostly focused on his physical condition.
Tess was right, he was completely fine. The only thing that changed about him was the mark on his right palm that became more distinct, and now he actually could recognize the form of the amulet, and even some of the engravings.
Tess didn't particularly like it, but he told her to not worry and for now the case was closed.
After quickly working out a simple training plan, Lee began to take short walks first, then a bit longer ones, and on the tenth morning he witnessed the sunrise during a longer, approximately a two mile long, run.
Freeda's place was perfect for such training.
She lived in Sunwell's outskirts, where the city slums blended with vast fields of crops. The air was fresh, water in the well – clean, and Lee couldn't ask for anything more. He practiced every day, bit by bit adjusting the intensity of exercises to not overdo it.
This time he was not in a rush – for now he knew all there was to know about his goals, or rather – targets, and his main focus lied in him growing and developing the most efficient way.
Tess methodically avoided the subject of her sudden aging, and, after a few days of pestering, Lee had to let her be. They did spend a lot of time together though, or rather – she with him. She loved to watch Lee practice and during evenings asked to draw for her entertainment.
Freeda, seeing Lee's drawings, stated she always knew her grandson was a genius, and on the third day brought an actual pile of premium quality paper and writing utensils. Lee couldn't understand where she got the money from since for a household with a couple of pigs and a dozen chickens this was a fortune, but the loving grandmother said to not worry about menial things.
Then he noticed that despite them living in a simple house with a small adjacent barn and a cattle shed, their dinner table was always full and served with the highest quality food. And watching his grandmother cook using expensive spices also raised questions.
In the end he went with the explanation that Tess took along a load of money when they left the city, and maybe some valuables as well.