Kythorn 30th, 1388, Sundown

[DM Hawk]

The sun was sinking behind the westerly mountains when the gates of Valkur's Roar were thrust open hastily by a pair of guardsmen wearing green and blue.

The Baron's Herald stepped through. She was wearing the same colors as the guards save for the white cloak, a tribute to her goddess. A few strides in she turned and beckoned, speaking encouraging words.

Timidly the first of the children followed, walking through the massive gates and into the city. The second followed, then the third, and more. The children were filthy, clad in little more than tattered rags. Small, dirty feet trod upon the cobblestones. The owners of these feet were too young to exhibit the callouses they wore. Five, then ten. Eventually they would be forty.

Flanking the column of children were the Guard Captain on the left and the Lieutenant of the Corps on the right. Their guard relaxed somewhat once they passed through the gate. Taking turns they nudged the children along.

Following last and making sure there were no stragglers came a bearded ranger from the King's Forest Nature Circle.

"Freewheeling" Froidoc joined the growing crowd of onlookers and began to complain about the strong stench of the children. He was silenced abruptly by a glare from the herald. Then he was bitten by one of the fleas.

The crowd continued to gather on either side of the road while the procession made its way to Hope's Cradle.

There the Mistress of Vineyards, Nacyra of the Tipsy Imp, Catha, Connia, and the orphanage's newest employee the elderly Harrith waited the arrival of the children beside buckets of hot water, scrub brushes, fresh clothing, and lye soap. A lot of lye soap.

The children arrived and Amity asked their names. One child looked down at his toes when he was asked the question. Some of the other children laughed.

"What's so funny?" Amity asked with a cautious smile.

One of the children pointed at the sullen boy, "He don't have a name, his momma up and died without giving him one."

The small boy muttered something that Amity couldn't hear. She crouched down beside him and placed a hand upon his shoulder, "What did you say, love?"

The boy sniffled, looking at his toes, "I do too have a name."

Amity knelt and looked into the boy's eyes, "I bet you do. Will you tell me what it is?"

"I want to be Aein."