~Companionship~
I sat at the cafe for an hour, and not all of it was spent eating. The boy told the most amazing stories and I couldn't help but hang on every word that flowed from his lips. He had been born in Sancra, and had seen more than I ever hoped to see in a life time. It seemed the war-torn county had done nothing but worsen over the past decade, and he had fled to Tortall after his parents and sisters were murdered in a midnight raid. He now lived with his uncle, helping him run his restaurant and trading business until he was old enough to leave for a university.
"What did you say you're name was?" I asked him after listening to a tale of a rabbit with a broken leg that his younger sister had nursed back to health.
"Jon." He amswered. "After the king." He paused a moment before continuing. "You see my father had always hoped our family could live in Tortall someday. He admired the king for his firm hand and just rule. He hoped for me to someday be like him..."
It was then that I realized that there was more to this merchant than met the eye. There was a story, hidden behind his hazil eyes. He sighed once again.
"Now tell me. What are you doing so far from home?"
I suddenly sat straighter. "What makes you say that?"
"You may don cotton skirts but the way you speak blows your cover, miss. Or should I say...my lady?"
'What? What do you mean? I..." I didn't know what to say.
"You walk to proudly and your dialect suggests one who has been raised in the court. You can't fool me. " My mask of worry made him add, "It's alright. I just want to know the truth. I'm trustworthy, I promise."
My tongue would not obey, my mind, numb.
"You've heard the grueling details of my past. It is only fair I hear yours." He said this as if it settled the matter, and in my state of numbness it was enought to convince me.
"My name is Lady Marquerite d Lont Cra of Antequtine. I'm thriteen years old, I've been given a quest and I've...left the palace."
"Run away?" He stared quizzically at my cotton bag.
"Well, not really. Someone assigned me to this task and if it is assigned and one knows of my whereabouts than it is not really running away. The only drawback is that the one who told me, well, he...alright. I ran away. And what business of yours is it may I ask?"
His pondered this before replying. "That is where you are wrong, my lady." He turned toward a window with the painted blue of morning shining through it's panes. "When my parents were killed, I made a pact with myself and their souls. I would help those in need. And from your story it seems you are not the only one in need. I think I can help you, and I am of no use just staying here in Trebond. Let me accompany you. From the look of you, you could use some companionship."
This I considdered. I thought of the long journey to the mountains. Would I really care to be alone, day after day? *I'll go mad alone.* I concluded, although I wasn't quite sure how sane I'd remain with Jon. But the thought of the lonliness returning from Antequtine was not one I wanted to picture.
"You can come." I told him.
"I'll go pack my things."
*********************************************************************************
Sorry it's a bit short, but the next chapter is almost finished :)
