[Susan Delgado]

"Wait!" Eolinda called again. The boy kept trying to run away when she wasn't finished with him.
The boy turned back, thinking dreadfully,Oh, here it comes. He said nothing, but waited for Eolinda to speak.

"You're familiar with this area, aren't you?"

The boy nodded hesitantly. What was this now?

"Well, we're in need of a guide. We'd like to hire you."

"What?!" This from each of the other three in various levels of astonishment.

"What?" Eloinda responded, surprised. It seemed an obvious need with which the boy could help.

"Eolinda...I'm not certain this boy is something we need. He's obviously nothing more than an urchin, and no doubt a thief," Remdil whispered to her.
"Oh, Remdil, be quiet. We do need a guide, and I'm sure he's been everywhere around here."
"Has he been out of the town, though? Because if thee brigands haven't been here, we'll need someone we knows the aorrounding area."
Eolinda shrugged.

The boy had watched this exchange with annoyance, but there was never any doubt he wanted to accompany them. He didn't really know much about the area outside of Neniant, but going with them meant regular feedings and possibly even some decent clothing and shoes. He could leave the care of the little 'uns to Blind Tobey, maybe even get the woman to leave them some food. Yes, that was what he wanted. "I can do it," He started.

"Oh, good! It's decided then!" Eolinda interrupted.

"Wait! I wasn't finished," The boy continued. "Where are you going and what are you doing?" He concluded.

"We're looking for a group of brigands that kidnapped our daughter," Remdil said.

"Oh. Hmmm," the boy responded.