Prologue

"Just keep your head down, and you won't get in trouble!"

These were the words running through Red Child's head as he clung to the slippery rocks. The rushing water splashed up at his feet, biting with cold teeth at his stinging ankles. He cried out desperately for help.

Bitter tears ran from his eyes as he thought about Tommy, his best friend. "Let's go down to the river to play!" Tommy had said. "We can catch frogs and stuff!"

"But were not allowed down by the river." Red Child had said. "Mommy says it's dangerous. Besides, we can catch frogs at the pond."

"Psh, I've been there a hundred times! It's not dangerous! And the frogs are much bigger than the ones at the pond!"

"But how will we get down there without the adults seeing us?"

"It's easy! Just keep your head down, and you won't get in trouble!"

He had been right. The high bushes that surrounded the river had made an excellent cover for the small group of children. They had snuck silently down to the riverbank, and the rushing of the river prevented any of the adults from hearing them play.

Everything had been going fine, and they had even caught a few frogs, when Red Child had accidentally stepped a little too close to the river. The very edge of the bank had been weak from erosion, and the dirt had crumbled under his feet. He had cried out for help, and the children had run away, but none of them had come back with any help yet.

The river licked greedily at Red Child's numb feet, and he could feel his hands slipping from the rock. He cried out and squeezed his eyes shut as he began to fall backwards into the river.

Suddenly a hand shot out and grabbed him by the wrist. Red Child could feel himself being pulled back up, and he tumbled onto his back on the riverbank.

Red Child lay panting in the grass. Gradually his breathing slowed, and he was able to feel his hands and feet again.

"Count your lucky stars for my good hearing, child!" A gruff voice huffed. "You were nearly fish food."

Red Child jumped at the voice, and slowly turned to face his rescuer. It was an old man who lived in the village. A few days ago, Red Child had stolen his socks on a dare by Tommy. Red Child had known he had been caught in the act, but he had tried to believe that he had gotten away with it. He looked at the old man's feet; he was wearing shoes, but no socks.

"Aye, you recognize me, don't cha?" the old man laughed. "I've been wondering if you'll ever return those socks to me."

Red Child sighed. "I knew you had seen me." He hung his head. "Sorry."

"All is forgiven, provided I get those socks back."

Red Child smiled, then frowned. "Thank you sir," he said. "But why did you help me? After all, I stole your socks."

"A long time ago," replied the old man. "I stole an old lady's hat. The very next day I tripped on the street and that old lady saved me from being trampled by a horse. I asked her the very same question. And you know what she said?"

The Red Child shook his head.

"She said, 'you needed help, so I helped you.' My answer to you is the same, you needed help, so I helped you. Though, I do hope you learned something." He looked at Red Child. "You seem like a nice kid. Don't let others make you do something you know is wrong. Right injustices in the world when you see them."

Red Child stared up at the clouds. "Okay."

The next day he returned the old man's socks.


Author's Note: This story is technically a prequel to another story of mine: A Wrinkle in Tony. However, reading that story is not necessary to understand what's happening in this one.