Pronunciation Guide:
Libbi~ Libb-i (long i)
Aristia~ A-ris-tee-ya
Drageon~ Drag-ee-on
Westinshire~ West-in-shy-er
Eru~ Ee-ru (roo)
Rilipon~ Rill-a-pon
Grandof~ Grand- oaf
Igoomi~ ee-goo-me

Chapter 10
Andrew

First off: I do NOT know that guy. That well, at least. Ok, fine, I've met him before. He helped me out of a rough spot when I was younger. That's why I knew he would be a fair merchant. But I was hoping he wouldn't mention it to Skylar. I guess I can't get completely off from him. I think he might've even known Skylar too. He rarely focused on other people like that. I wondered how he'd done over the last years after I left. I had hoped he wouldn't be in trouble for helping my escape.
* * * *
You'd think a six-year old would be street smart. Well here's a good life lesson for you: escape is only easy in the movies.
I'd been on the run for a year now, finding food whenever I found a pitiful home, otherwise I would I starve or steal. Though I didn't call it stealing. I did leave some money in return. I had arrived in Rilipon a day prior, and was getting a little desparate. I had passed by Grandof's store at the same time he had thrown out a bad, moldy lump of bread that seemed to have hardened over night. It hit me square in the head and I fell over. Now before you start laughing you try and see how it feels to get hit with a rock encrusted bread lump. It hurts as bad getting hit with an actual rock. Grandof saw me fall and immediately was at my side helping me up. I was still dazed but I am still wondering if he was trying to hold back a laugh or a few words of choice. I decided on neither because I really didn't think him the kind to appreciate swearing or laughter. And he had also just invited me in for dinner if my family didn't have plans so I won't judge.
The whole time I was wondering how he didn't know who I was, when there was another wanted poster just three feet in front of us. But hey; I'll take it over slowly dying of starvation anyway.
He ushered me inside and I sat down. Then Grandof called for someone named Elise. I think this is his wife. She came prancing down the stairs of the shop and smiled warmly at me. "Hello, son. What's your name?"
My warning lights flared. This was dangerous territory. Lie or don't lie? Lie or don't... "My name is Andrew."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow. I, um, I didn't know anyone but the royal family was allowed that name. Strange. But..."
Grandof butted in. "Speaking of the royal family did you hear the news? The son of the king has been taken by none other than the Black Hand himself."
I knit my brow. "Black Hand?"
Now Grandof was surprised. "You don't know the Black Hand? Well personally I think you are lucky but if you wish to know." I nodded and he paused. "But... It's like this. The Black Hand is like the worst murderers and kidnappers in the world-all combined. They often ask for a ransom, but rarely give back the ransomed item. Many times people have thought the king rules the Black Hand. That is until the prince was taken."
I was confused. How could no one expect another course? What if, like me, he simply ran away? Or, if the king ordered the Black Hand to do this. Grandof was watching me carefully. I had to watch what I said. "Why," I spoke slowly, "does no one think of another action on his part? What if he wasn't taken or the king ordered the attack?"
Grandof glanced at Elise and she glanced back. Elise spoke slowly. "How do you come up with these conclusions? I've never seen such thoughts come at such a young age."
I cursed myself for letting so much slip. I simply replied, I think a lot, then shut up. I couldn't afford to let anything else out by accident or not.
Elise's smile widened. "Oh! A philosophical one! I personally love the study. But so many people call it worthless!the knowledge itself though is enticing! All the different subjects and questions and so few answers. Most find that infuriating but I love it!" She rambled on about this for a good millennium while I sat there nodding politely. Grandof's smile was strained and he started blinking a lot. Finally he interrupted, "Elise, dear, I believe that's enough story or you might scare away our guest. Please, if you would, check on dinner as to make sure it hasn't burnt."
Elise jumped up in surprise. "Oh. Oh, of course. Don't wanna... Feed any overdone food to... Our guest now do we?" She gave a strange giggle then fled to the kitchen. The whole time I watched in amazement with my head tilted to the left. Grandof stared after her for a while then turned to me, voice suddenly quite stern.
"All right boy I know you're hiding something and I want to know what it is. If I'm helping you out let's say this is your payment for it."
It was hard to keep an impassive face. How could he think something was up. I had told him the truth. Or, what he asked for kind of truth. But this was personal. Why should I ever...
"Boy I'm waiting."
Grandof was getting impatient. His voice didn't rise but got quiet instead, as if warning me to speak now or forever hold my peace by his hand. Or maybe he'd turn me in. That's almost worse. I don't even want to begin imagining what might happen if I get sent back home. Probably another fifty lashes or so.
I didn't notice but my eyes had teared up and I got embarrassed once I took cognizance of them. I wiped my eyes and saw that Grandof's fierce expression had softened a bit. I couldn't very well hold back now could I? I took a deep breath, and told him my story.
* * * *
It had felt so good to get everything out. I'd always wanted someone to listen and be on my side without fear of my father's wrath.
I remember Elise coming in with the food about halfway through and starting to cry when I reached why I ran. I remember Grandof's jaw tightening when I mentioned my father's cruelty. But the most vivid memory, was when Grandof promised me help to get away forever, and Elise risking her life so that the plan would work.