The young boy had returned for a coupleof buckets to get water from the well for the horses. HearingTedi’s remark, the young boy shot a disapproving glare at the twotown boys, but left to accomplish his tasks. Tedi knew that theyonly had moments for any news before the townspeople startedgathering and then there would be no talk of old times.

The old man turned towards Tedi andlooked him up and down before answering.

“The news from up North,child, is that their children are better mannered. The name I useis Boris Khatama. That means that you will address me as MasterKhatama and if it’s news you want, then you will wait for thetownspeople to assemble and hear it with the rest.”

“Forgive my friend’s lack ofmanners, Master Khatama,” offered Arik. “We are eager to hear ofnews that the townspeople never speak of. Lorgo is a small town andmost people refuse to discuss things that Tedi and I read about inbooks. I hope you will forgive our poor manners.”

Master Khatama focused his attentionson Arik as he pulled down small crates of goods from the wagon.“And why should I talk of things that your own parents would rathernot have you hear?”

“Oh, it’s not that they don’twant us to hear,” Arik responded quickly, “but I fear that theystill think of us as children and too young to hear such stories.Why just this morning at the inn . . . a friend was telling meabout the old times, but he had to return to work. Our fathers arefishermen and they are gone most of the day and tired at night.Besides, what they know is very limited as they have not traveledfar and wide as I’m sure you have.”

Master Khatama peered at the boys againas if measuring them. The clatter of approaching footstepsannounced the coming townspeople. “We’ll see,” Boris whispered.“You go help Tanya brush the horses, while your friend here helpsme unload the wagon and you two can join us for dinner. I willconsider then what I will speak of.”