From the North Downs: Chapter VII

There were two beds on either side of the room, and lanterns on a little table between them. Jesmond had shoved their salvaged belongings between the wall and one of the beds, out of the way for anyone who needed to use the chamber pot in the night. 

Ketilve placed her vial beside the lantern and sighed. It truly wasn't much room, particularly with an inconsolable infant and a four year old, but they had to accept what was available. It was certainly better than being overrun by Orcs or Wargs, or any other nasties of that sort. 

"Let me keep the children while you search," The girl offered, holding out both arms for the baby. 

"She's likely hungry," Jesmond noted with a sigh. "Do see if anything in the haversack can be fed to her. If not..." She dug into the pouch hung about her waist and grabbed a handful of silver coins. "Find something for her." 

Ketilve nodded her head in compliance as the babe was passed to her. She cradled the tiny girl carefully, rocking her back and forth. The cries hadn't abated since they had rescued her from the side of her fallen mother; the poor child had no understanding of the situation other than a desperate desire for her mother. Ketilve's heart went out to both the girls. 

"May you find Harrold safe and soon." 


***

There had been no food suitable for an infant in the supplies they had brought in, and so Ketilve had been forced to go out into the town to purchase some. Leigh Putnam had offered milk and eggs for half price, moved to pity by the sight of the refugees and the plight of the young girls. "But I haven't anything cooked," She'd apologized. 

Ketilve dismissed this concern with a shake of her head. "If Harrold never taught Annie to suck eggs then he's a poor excuse for a father." 

The hint of a smile graced Leigh's face at that. "I expect you're right after all. Take care. If you need anything more, let me know. I've two little ones of my own at home..."

Ketilve gave the grocer her thanks, then led Annie back to the inn. "And did your da ever teach you to suck eggs?" She asked, hoping that the answer was yes. She wasn't entirely certain of her own abilities as a teacher, and she was even less certain of the wisdom of attempting to fry eggs in their room should she fail.

But instead of answering the little girl burst into tears right in the middle of the town square. "I want my daddy." She wailed, and Ketilve instantly regretted saying anything. 

"Oh, honey, please don't cry. Mama Jesmond went to look for your daddy. I'm sure you'll see him tonight." 

Her assurances felt hollow in her own ears; what if he had suffered the same fate as his wife? But she didn't know how else to react to the distress of the little girl.

And worse, the clear upset of her sister only further encouraged the baby to renew her wails with vigor. Ketilve desperately juggled babe and eggs, trying to bounce the infant with one hand to calm her while not dropping eggs in the other. 

"Here, let me get that." A deep voice sounded behind her, and then the groceries were whisked out of her arms. 

"Oh!" She gasped, turning to see a young man in the garb of a guardsman. 

"Tell me where we are going and I'll follow you."

Ketilve hoisted the baby higher up onto her shoulder, then grabbed Annie by the hand. The little girl tugged away, trying to escape. "Oh,stay still!" 

"Having a spot of trouble, are you?" The guardsman asked, and Ketilve sighed in exasperation. 

"My mama is looking for their father. We were all coming in earlier when we were waylaid by Orcs and I don't know..." She looked down at the sobbing little girl beside her, then trailed off, unwilling to speak her fears aloud. 

"I see." The guardsman nodded solemnly. "Are you staying at the inn, then?" 

Ketilve echoed his nod. "We are. Thank you for your help, guardsman...?"

"Hinton. Talbot Hinton." 

"Thank you, Talbot."