Free Seeker by William Nicholson

spikers who want to cause trouble. The book factor is arranging it all. The book factor is bringing him."
    "Papa! How much are you having to pay for this?"
    "That's of no importance. What else is my money for?"
    "But I don't want a companion. Truly I don't."
    "Then take him for my sake. You're safe with me, and you'll be safe on the holy island, but between the one and the other there's bad men and mad men and all sorts else."
    She hugged him even tighter under the rug.
    "I shouldn't leave you."
    "The sooner the better," he said. "I shall be able to do as I please for once in my life."
    But she could see the colors glowing round him, and there, mingled with the rose red of his love for her, was the darker violet of heartache. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see; but even with her eyes closed, she felt his pain.
    "You're too good to me."
    "And why shouldn't I be?" he said. "Being good to my child is the same as being good to myself."

9. Parting Wisdom
    T HE BOOK FACTOR ARRIVED PUNCTUALLY, BENT LOW under the weight of his pack of books. He carried his pack in his own peculiar way, taking the full weight on a strap that went over his forehead. Thus laden, he would tilt himself forward and, balanced by the weight on his back, would proceed at a steady trot that looked as if he were forever running to stop himself from falling on his face.
    "Here I am again," he declared, letting his pack sink to the ground. "And glad of the rest, believe you me."
    With him was the biggest man Morning Star had ever seen in her life. The book factor watched Arkaty's face and saw with satisfaction his expression of awe.
    "Well, old friend. Have I done right by you?"
    "Right enough."
    The big man held out a big hand and boomed out in a big voice.
    "Barban at your service."
    "Trained as an axer," said the factor with pride. "Retired from active duty now."
    "You're most welcome, sir," said Arkaty.
    "And this must be the little lady." Barban stooped down to place his face at the level of Morning Star's eyes and showed her his strong white teeth. "We'll get you to your destination, little lady, as safe as if you was still at home."
    "Thank you," said Morning Star. To her dismay, she realized that she disliked him intensely.
    "You'll take a glass before you go?" said her father.
    "I never say no to a glass," said the big man, and laughed a booming laugh.
    They went into the house, and Arkaty poured out four glasses of his most special wine. Morning Star knew the bottle had been saved to drink on her last day. Barban, who did not know this, drank down his glassful in a single swallow, as if to show what a big throat he had. Her father, wanting the moment to last, raised his glass to his daughter and gave her a sweet smile.
    "To you, my star."
    She raised her glass to his, and they clinked.
    "And to you, Papa."
    Barban put down his glass, tore open his jacket, and bared his naked torso at them.
    "Hit me!" he cried. "Go on, hit me! Any of you. Hit me anywhere you like."
    They looked at him in surprise. He was standing with his legs apart and his arms pulled back, inviting a blow to his bare chest or stomach. A gold medal hung round his neck, with an image of the sun on it.
    "Hard as rock! Go on! Hit me!"
    "I'm confident you're a suitable escort for my daughter," said Arkaty.
    "Try the goods before you buy," said Barban. "You're paying for the best. I want you to know it."
    "I'm not really accustomed to hitting people," said Arkaty.
    Barban turned to the book factor.
    "You, sir. Take a swing at me. Do your very worst."
    "Well," said the factor. "If you think I should."
    He struck the big man lightly on the abdomen.
    "No, no!" cried Barban. "I didn't say tickle me. I said hit me."
    Morning Star found the whole display ludicrous. She put down her glass. The book factor hit Barban again, rather harder. The big man laughed.
    "Still can't feel you!"
    "Let me try," said Morning Star.
    She reached out her fingers, found a plump fold of flesh just above his hips,