Little Red Riding Hood and the Prince

Chapter 20- Lost Child

The town looked much as I remembered from so many years ago. A new sign here, a broken post there, but all the shops lining the main street didn't seem to have changed. It was rather bustling as far as small towns go- many housewives were out making their purchases this Saturday morning. I considered stopping into the bakery to say hello, but it was of course one of the busiest of the half dozen shops.

'Better to stop by on my way out of town, if I get a chance to say hello.'

I urged Fallfa forwards instead down the street, smiling politely at the curious glances that came our way.

We continued on, and I had just gotten close to the woods bordering the house where I had last seen Ella when Fallfa pricked her ears.

"What is it girl?"

She gave a little snort and tossed her head as if she were motioning. Trusting her instincts, I loosen the reins and let her lead. It was a few paces before I noticed what had caught her attention. Nestled into the tree roots, a dark-haired young boy was sucking his thumb as he regarded us with interest.

I dismounted an took a knee near him.

"Hello there. What are you doing out here so early? Is someone with you?"

He shook his head slowly, staring at me with big eyes, thumb still firmly in mouth.

"Okay then. My name is Darin. Can you tell me your name?"

More staring.

"Do you know where your mother is? I'd be happy to take you back to her."

He blinked, but stayed silent.

I was beginning to feel unsettled. I couldn't just leave a toddler alone in the woods, but I didn't know where to take him, or if he'd even go willingly with me. I had things that I needed to get done as well, but I pushed that thought aside.

'Think. What do kids like?' Fallfa interrupted my contemplation with a huff.

"Fallfa- ah! Come closer girl." I turned back to the boy. "Would you like to meet one of my dearest friends? She's very gentle, you can pet her if you'd like."

I stood and closed the distance to my mare to stroke the bridge of her nose. "See, come try."

God answered my pleas as finally the boy responded, coming close and relinquishing his favored digit. His damp hand hovered below Fallfa's face. He looked up at me and asked in a whispery voice, "can I?"

I nodded my assent and he began petting Fallfa's chest with a sense of wonderment.

"Have you ever petted a pony before?" He shook his head no.

"I could let you ride her with me if you like." That sealed the deal. Excitement overtook his small frame as he nodded heartily, all wariness forgotten.

Riding down the path back to main street, I learned that his favorite color was blue like the sky, that he thought squirrels were the most interesting animals, and that he had sisters, among other things. However, I still hadn't learned his name or where he lived by the time we stood in front of the, now much quieter, bakery.

I figured that Ms... Mrs- er 'what was her name?'- would probably be able to tell me who the lad was, and if I had to see someone other than Ella first it might as well be the friendly shopkeeper.

They entered, and at the sound of the door closing, a vaguely familiar cheerful voice called from the back.

"Someone there? I'll be right out in a minute."

Darin took a minute to breath in all the delicious smells. A number of fragrant breads, rolls and cookies were all carefully laid out on the counter to entice buyers.

"Hello there, I was just laying out another batch of rolls. Now what can I get you?"

"Hello madame, they all smell absolutely wonderful, but I was wondering if maybe you could tell me who this is. I found him all alone under a tree."

She looked closely for the first time at the small figure by his side.

"Why all be! Little Tristan what were you doing wandering around by yourself?"

Tristan looked at the ground, once more sucking his thumb.

"So, you know him?" Darin inquired.

"Yes, I do. That's the Goldensneed boy, poor little tyke. He's usually a good boy, I've never heard of him wandering off like that before. Always a rather quiet thing, Ella or the twins bring him with them to church every Sunday." She looked closely at Darin. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"

He wanted to ask more about this boy who was somehow related to Ella, like 'why is he a poor little tyke?', but he held his tongue.

"Yes actually. It's been a long time, but I stopped in here once looking for someone." He gave a little smile.

"Ah," she snapped her fingers. "That's right, you were looking for Little Red! I remember you now. That's quite a coincidence though, finding her brother. You do know that Ella used to be called Red, right?"

He nodded. "I didn't know that she had a brother though" he said with a look at Tristan.

"Well I'm not sure that that little one was born the last time I saw you. In fact, I think it may have been the day after you came, though it's hard to recall after so many years. That was a hard year for that family, a hard year indeed." She reminisced with a far-off look. "I remember what it was like losing my husband and that was without any children... ah, well griefs can't be compared" she remarked as she turned her attention back to the present moment. "I suppose you better be getting him back before he's too long missed."

Darin spoke in agreement and headed back out to see Ella once again. Once more astride Fallfa, many questions crossed his mind as he looked down at the boy in front of him.