I watch as Mom and Dad debate about the possiblities of the trips. As the oldest, I have a good knowledge of what's happening. We need to bring Charl to Lordanbar City for their famous clinic, which apparently treats a variety of specialty cases. But, the place we hoped to settle down in, with lots of empty land, is almost the opposite way. 

"We could travel to Lordanbar City, then head to the settlement."

"And bring five children along? Bronta, you know that would eat us out of house and home before we even build a house."

"I just can't think of any good ideas, other than asking Great-Uncle Bonart."

"Why can't you just ask him? He knows you, he likes you. You're his niece!"

"He refuses to travel with a six-year old child alone. He says he can't handle that amount of energy. Also, he's busy sowing the fields and such. His son has a wife now, and can't visit very often."

"There's no other options execpt for traveling with five children to Lordanbar and back, then to the settlement. And that option is terrible."

I quietly step in to Mom and Dad's circle of pacing. 

"Ellis?"

"I can bring Charl to Lordanbar."

Dad ponders this, but Mom responds instantly. 

"Absolutely not, Ellis. You and Charl traveling alone is far too dangerous. There are bandits out there. People who would be more than happy to rob unsuspecting children."

"I'm fifteen, Mom." 

"That is a good idea, though, if I go with Charl."

"No, Mom! You need to help with building the house and settling down. You don't need me for that."

"Let Ellis go, Bronta," Dad finally speaks up. "She's fifteen. She can make her own descisions. It's a short journey to Lordanbar, and she can meet Bonart on the way there. Once he's ready, they can all travel down to where we're settling."

Mom consideres this deal. 

"Fine. I still don't like it, but it's a short journey to where Bonart lives, and after that, they'll travel with him. Do you understand, Ellis? Travel to where Great-Uncle Bonart lives, and STAY THERE until he's ready. Then, make the rest of the journey with him."

"Okay, Mom."

We walk up the stairs from the cafe in the hotel to our rooms. I tell Charl story after story until he falls asleep, as usual, then I finally retreat to my bed and get a few hours of rest. The next morning, we wake up at the crack of dawn, and it's immediately shopping for supplies. I wonder if staying at Great-Uncle Bonart's house for a while will mean I get more than five hours of sleep each night.