The day I ran into Crescent for the first time was like any other, I had left my home in order to visit the markets.

My wife, my dearest Analicia, had sent me out to fetch some fresh vegetables for a new dish that she wanted to make.

I had, as I so often do, gotten distracted on my way.

I stopped at the local lake to watch the children play.

Analicia and I had always wanted a child of our own, but we had long since learnt that it was not to be.

Instead, we agreed to tread paths that allowed us to teach and entertain them.

“Mr Sterling!” one of the children had called, a young boy by the name of Francis. He was often playing at the lake with his siblings and had been in Analicia’s classes.

He wanted me to play with them, down by the water. I was able to recognise most of the others he was playing with, more regulars at the lake.

All except one.

They rested under the old oak tree, watching as the others played. The children stayed away from them, although their eyes often headed that way out of curiousity.

Francis paid the other no mind, intent on playing his game.

I put them out of my mind until it was time for me to leave and continue on my way, lest I manage to miss the markets entirely.

“Good morn.” They had greeted me, unusually unsure of the words.

“Hello.” I had said in return.

We said no more as they followed me into the markets and all the way home.

“I’m not sure what this has to do with me.” Liam said, looking at the Tinkerer.

“It’s the best thing I could find to answer your questions.” Returned the other. “You’ve got to finish the book before it starts making sense.