Ralph and the Pixie

Looking like an abandoned waif, as though wanting to, but not daring to trust, she said, ‘Why would you do this for me?’

Ralph motioned for her to come sit on a bench beside him. Apprehensively, she did so. ‘Éha,’ he said, ‘how old are you, as close as you can guess.’

She frowned, concentration seeming to take her some effort. ‘Fifteen? . . . I think.’

A movement caught Ralph’s eye and he saw, framed in the doorway, Malina standing there, watching.

‘Éha, Malina and I have something to ask you.’ Éha started when she noticed Malina. For a moment Ralph thought she might flee, as she often did, but she stayed, perhaps out of simple curiosity. ‘Our house is nearly finished,’ he continued. ‘All of us, Pran and Theuli too, would like you to come live with us. We didn’t ask you before because . . . well . . . you have a tendency to wander off all the time. But this poison business changes everything.’ He quickly explained to Malina what Éha had told him. ‘Anyway, we need you to help Deborah for the time being. You know what her problem is better than anyone. You need us, to keep an eye on you, and to give you a safe place to stay. When the time comes, both of you have to be where we know where you are.’