Lloyd Alexander's writing is better than nearly anyone else writing for kids. This book is about freedom of the press and bad stewardship in the highest places, politically. It is also a great adventure story. I can barely stand to reread this series now that we are in the political mess we are in these days.
from amazon.com:

Card catalog description
A boy fleeing from criminal charges falls in with a charlatan, his dwarf attendant, and an urchin girl, travels with them about the kingdom of Westmark, and ultimately arrives at the palace where the king is grieving over the loss of his daughter.

This has been mailed to CdnBlueRose in Colorado, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Bless you NomiJo!! This was a very kind RABCK received yesterday! I love Lloyd Alexander's books so I'm looking forward to reading this! Thanks much!!