Ildri's memories of the time between the fire and the old Lord Wildwood heroically rescuing her were few and far between.  She remembered a cousin who tormented her at Aunt Wendy's house and Aunt Claudia who basically ignored her most of the time, although that could have been worse.  There had been other houses too that were nothing but a shadow in her memory.

She mostly remembered feeling like an unwanted burden that was thrust about from one person to another.  It had seemed that no one had wanted her and no one had cared if she was safe or happy or loved.

It had all changed the day that the then Lord Wildwood came and found her sitting in the dirt.  She supposed that her clothes had been shabby and she had been filthy and pathetic.  She had already been five or six at that time and her parents had been gone for about two years.

She could remember that day as if it were yesterday.

The old Lord Wildwood had been riding on a mighty horse and to her innocent eyes he had looked as great and mighty as a king from the stories that her cousin told.  He looked older than her uncles and more noble and regal.  She was horribly nervous and had moved to slip into the trees.

But then he spoke and she could remember every word of the conversation.

"Don't fear, small one.  My name is Lord Wildwood and I am just seeking directions.  Could you take me to your mother or father?" he asked before she had quite made it into the trees.

She knew enough that one had to answer when a king asked a question.  "My mother and father are gone," she said.

"When will they return?" he asked kindly.

"Never," she responded.  She did not cry, at least no more than a tear escaped.  Her aunt hated it when she made a nuisance of herself.

"I am sorry," he said in a careful tone.  "Could you take me to whoever cares for you, then?"

Ildri nodded because she was afraid to say no, even though she was not sure that it was a good idea.

The great Lord Wildwood dismounted from his horse and began to walk beside her while leading the horse.  "What is your name?"

"Ildri," she told him.

"Just Ildri?"

"Just Ildri."

"I see.  Who do you belong to, Ildri?"

"No one," she said honestly.

He was looking down at her with sympathy.  "Then who do you live with?"

"Aunt Claudia, Uncle Moore and Reginald, Terrence and Saula."

"Have you lived here long?" he asked in a kind, conversational tone.

"For a while.  Since Aunt Wendy brought me here when she was done with me since I wasn't worth the effort.  She said that it was time for my mother's family to take responsibility," she told him candidly.  She had heard the words when Aunt Wendy had brought her to Aunt Claudia's.

He shook his head.  "How terrible."  He looked sad.

It had been so long since a grownup had regarded her so kindly.  She just wanted him to keep talking to her forever.  Without thinking she told him what she wanted more than anything.  "I wish that I was useful."

He nodded and somehow Ildri thought he looked even sadder.

The house was just over the bend and she pointed it out to him.

"It's a nice house," he commented.

Ildri knew that it was.  She had explored all the nearby area alone and had viewed many houses while hiding in the trees.  It was one of the nicest houses in the area, well maintained.

They arrived at the door, and Lord Wildwood knocked upon it smartly.  Aunt Claudia came to the door.  She was wearing an apron dusted with flour and an expression of shock as she took in the sight at the door.  "My lord..?" she began hesitantly.  Ildri felt a sense of loss that her time with the great king was at its end.

"Greetings, madam.  I am Lord Wildwood."

Aunt Claudia hurriedly curtseyed and stuttered out an incoherent greeting and introduction.

"I apologize for the imposition, but I have found myself lost and in need of directions."

Aunt Claudia spoke quickly.  "Oh, it is no imposition, my lord!  We are honoured by your presence in our humble home!  But if you are travelling, might I offer you a rest?" she suggested excitedly.  "My husband will be home within the hour.  Would you like to join us for dinner?"  Ildri was glad that her aunt was happy with the visitor because then she wouldn't scold Ildri harshly later.

Lord Wildwood inclined his head briefly.  "I would be most honoured."

Aunt Claudia had been in a tizzy of excitement.  "I must go and finish.  My lord, please sit by the fire and make yourself comfortable.  Come along, Ildri.  You may assist me."

It was clearly an order, so Ildri followed Aunt Claudia into the kitchen.

As soon as they were out of sight of Lord Wildwood, Aunt Claudia rounded on Ildri.  "What were you thinking, fool girl?  Bringing a stranger here!" she snapped in a harsh tone.

Ildri was dazed by the sudden reprimand.  "But I thought you were happy..."

"Of course I am.  But what if he were someone dangerous?  He might have killed us all, girl.  Do you ever think?  Even my sister wasn't that stupid."

Ildri felt more tears well up in her eyes.  "Aunt Claudia..."

"Don't start that again."

"I'm sorry," Ildri said.

"Here.  Cut up these vegetables," Aunt Claudia ordered and then turned around, apparently forgetting Ildri's existence.

Ildri had been glad when supper was finally ready.  Aunt Claudia had bustled out to join her family and her guest and trilled in a loud voice about what an honour it was.  Ildri had not been invited to join them, so she sat in the corner of the kitchen quietly and listened to them talk.  She could hear the great lord making gracious conversation with everyone, even her cousins. 

Ildri hugged her legs to her chest.  She rocked back and forth.  She hummed to herself a bit, very quietly so that Aunt Claudia would not hear her.  She remembered the words that her mother used to sing to her every night.

My little baby, you know that I'm here,

You're not alone and you need never fear,

I'll keep you forever inside of my heart,

Remember this, my love, and we will never part.

Ildri did not cry.  Instead she rocked back and forth.  She missed her mum and dad so much.  It hurt worse than anything else ever could.

Then Ildri heard her name from the other room.

"Where is Ildri?"  It was Lord Wildwood.

"She's not well," her aunt lied immediately.

"She seemed well enough earlier," he pointed out.

"She has a weak constitution," Aunt Claudia said.

There was a pause, and then Lord Wildwood spoke again.  "Perhaps her constitution would be better if she were properly dressed."

"Those were the clothes that she came with," Aunt Claudia said as if it explained everything about Ildri's shabby state.

"She's been here for some time, has she not?  Surely you could have provided a proper dress?"

Uncle Moore spoke up quickly.  "We're poor peasants, my lord."

"How odd.  I was actually thinking about how well cared for your family is, barring your niece, of course," Lord Wildwood said and there was no doubt to even little Ildri that his words were a sharp criticism of her aunt and uncle.  It had been so long since anyone had taken her side.

But she was certain she would pay for it later.  Her aunt booked no disobedience and she had brought Lord Wildwood to the door.  She was in so much trouble.

Aunt Claudia's voice was quickly losing the veneer of the good hostess.  "It is no fault of mine that her foolish parents had not provided for her wellbeing!"

Lord Wildwood also no longer sounded exactly like a polite guest although he maintained his calm.  "Common decency dictates that you would treat her kindly.  She is of your blood," he stated.

"She is not of yours.  Why should you care?  You seem bothered by her welfare, but I do not see you making any offers to help with it," Aunt Claudia said loudly.

Uncle Moore was clearly more concerned about the consequences of insulting a lord than his wife was.  "My lord, please ignore her.  It's just female hysterics," he explained.

Lord Wildwood ignored Uncle Moore's feeble attempts and spoke directly to Ildri's aunt.  "True enough.  I have made no offer to help, have I?  So perhaps it is time that I do.  Where is she?" he asked, but it sounded more like a command to Ildri's ears.

Aunt Claudia protested.  "She's in her bed."  Ildri wondered if her aunt expected her to hurry to her bed and pretend to be ill.  She could not, because she had to leave the kitchen to get there.  Ildri heard Aunt Claudia again, "My lord!  I must protest!  You—"

The door to the kitchen swung open.  Ildri looked up and the old Lord Wildwood was standing there.  He sat down on the floor beside her.  Aunt Claudia was making a fuss in the background but Ildri could barely hear her.

"Ildri.  I would like to ask you a question."

"Yes, my lord," she said, wondering what he could possibly want from her.

"Would you like to come with me?  You can live at Wildwood.  It is a great castle and there are many kind people there who will look after you.  I'm sure that there are many ways that you can be useful, too, if you wish," he explained softly.

Ildri could not believe what he was saying to her.  "Really?" she asked.  Why would he want her to come with him?

"Really.  You can stay at Wildwood forever, if you want," he promised.  "Do you want to?"

Ildri was terrified of going to a strange new place.  But she could tell that he was kind and no one wanted her here.  "Yes, please," she said in a shaky voice.

"I must disagree!" shrieked Aunt Claudia.  "What will everyone think if she simply goes off with you?  And they will say that I'm a terrible aunt for allowing such a thing."

Lord Wildwood did not answer but rather stood up and helped Ildri to her feet.  She felt shaky and nervous and excited, and suddenly Aunt Claudia was not nearly so influential as she had once appeared.  Ildri was not afraid of her any more.

Aunt Claudia continued railing, "She is my responsibility, so I must insist that—"

Lord Wildwood looked at Aunt Claudia very coldly, and the woman went terribly pale.  He spoke, not once raising his voice, but Aunt Claudia did not say a word.  "I must insist that you have failed your responsibility, and so I will see to Miss Ildri's care now.  Good day."

Ildri followed Lord Wildwood out of her aunt's house and she never looked back.