“I would rather be dead than to suffer in her house,” stated Mistake defiantly.

“But you have nowhere to go,” interjected Rejji. “What will you do?”

“I have a plan,” smiled Mistake. “What will you do Rejji? You are in the same boat now. You make fun of my name but how much better is Rejji? It is just a bunch of letters thrown together without meaning. At least my name is a constant reminder that I am someone other than her daughter.”

Rejji looked shocked as her words hit him. He was as lost and abandoned as she was.

“Actually,” smiled Brontos, “The name Rejji does have meaning. It translates from the old language to ‘Son of the Moon’. Tell me Mistake, what is your plan?”

“I plan to find the Sage of the Mountain,” she proclaimed. “It is said that he knows everything.”

“I believe that is just an old myth,” stated Brontos. “I have traveled most of this land and while I hear him mentioned often, I have never talked with anyone who has ever seen or talked to him. Not even anyone who knows anyone who has. What would you ask him if he did exist?”

“Who my real family is,” declared Mistake.

Chapter 2

Seeking the Sage

Brontos pulled the wagon into a spot near the river where a ring of stones testified to prior encampments. The old merchant moved slowly from the seat of the wagon and started to unhitch the horses.

“Can you cook, Mistake?” he asked as he locked eyes with the short thief.

“Of course,” frowned Mistake. “Why didn’t you ask Rejji though? I am not a housemaid you know.”

“Because I have eaten in his village before,” laughed Brontos. “I was hoping you might have more knowledge of spices. Besides, I am trying to discern your other talents. I probably should take you back to Khadora with me.”