The next 3 months were a real struggle. I had to run the shop, take care of my siblings and take care of the house. The few minutes I had to myself were a blessing. The shop was also most definitely declining. Father had been the main woodworker and William and Mark were just apprentices. Now the apprentices had to do all of the work. It was not looking good for us. I tried to tell myself that it was all ok, that it could work but it couldn't and everyone knew that.

Every saturday we all went out to the market to get weekly food and supplies. This was one of the places that whatever day you were having we would be mesmerized with the performers, singers, and dancers taking the streets. On every corner of the market joy flourished. This was the place we now spent our down time. The boys and Juniper, still not knowing where father was, always had a good time.

This Saturday was a little out of the norm though, this saturday we had visitors of the kingly kind. For as long as I can remember me father had always talked about how the King and Queen were lets just say not the nicest people. He of course would use a little more choice words. The King and Queen were not very interactive with their subjects; they only talked to us or used us to get what they wanted. That being said we were not very fond of the King and after father being sent away that really amplified are problems with them.

The guests looked like they thought they were better than us. With their heads lifted high and the look of disgust of their faces. All with white horses with red and white saddles and tassels. You could tell that they were the King's messengers.

"Who are ya 'ere for?" yelled one of the people passing by.

"Their 'ear to arrest ya." yelled back another.

"What for!" The original person yelled back. People have the weirdest conversations.

"Does anyone know where the Anderson family lives?" asked the most important looking messenger. Completely skipping over the conversation that just happened. I was hesitant to respond for fear they might take away one of us. After some thought I gave in, my curiosity getting the better of me yet again.

"Were right here sir." I said, grabbing William's hand and picking up Juniper. William grabbed Mark's hand so we all advanced in a line toward the messenger.

"Here is a letter from General Adams and the King" he stated as I took the letter from his hand. It looked like the same letter that we had gotten 6 months ago about our father. I put Juniper down, let go of Williams' hand, and started to read the letter.

"We are sorry to inform you that Greogory James Anderson has been reported dead in battle. For the good of Vasileio, Anderson Carpentry and Woodworking will be given to the king and company. It will be returned to the oldest heir when they reach adulthood. The remaining offspring of Gregory James Anderson will be escorted to Vasileio orphanage and become property of the orphanage. May the King live forever. He has spoken."

"We will come to your store at noon tomorrow to escort you to the orphanage tomorrow."

"THE ORPHANAGE! We're not orphans' fathers on a business trip!"

"You tell him Will!" Mark said as he and William ran toward the man and his horse. The man looked outraged and his horse stomped on the ground and knocked them to the ground.