The air is crisp as the snow falls from the over cast sky. My breath fogs as I make my way into town. The snow is crunching under my feet, and there are many people coming and going as I travel along my way.
The city center is busy with people celebrating solorius, when suddenly I hear a faint sniffle and sob from a shop corner.
A small boy no older than 9 is huddled there upset, his clothes are old and worn with holes in them. I stop and look around for his parents. I don't see anyone at all. He looks very lonely and frightened. Walking over to him I hunker down next to him.
Hi, I say to him.
He sniffles and glances of over at me. He mumbles something I can't quite make out.
I try again. Are you here by yourself?
He sniffles again and nods. I see tears glimmering in his eyes.
Where are your parents? I ask gently.
Don't got none he says brusquely.
Looking at the state of his clothing I don't doubt that anyone has been taking care of this child. Looking around again, I make up my mind. Are you hungry? I ask him gently.
He just nods.
Well, I am too. Why don't you come with me and we'll get some warm food. I know a great place just around the corner.
He looks at me suspiciously. Why should I come with you? What I gotta do for this food?
I look puzzled for a moment, then it dawns on me what he means. My lips tighten in momentary anger. Relaxing again I said to him, the only thing you have to do is follow me to the restaurant.
He thinks about this for a minute and gets up. Alright I guess that's ok then.
Inside my mind is raging. I can't believe anyone would treat a child so, much less an Asmodian daeva. Most of the people who live here are daevas, but there are some humans as well. Still, I just can't, won't belive my people could be so callous or cruel.
I get up from the ground. It's this way I say to him. Walking down the lane, we turn the corner and enter a small, quiet, diner. Jaisea likes this place and brought me here once. The food is simple, but very good. The owner is a friend of her father's.
We walk in. Heavenly smells waft over us. The place is warm and welcoming. Patrik is working and greets us warmly. He gives me questioning look over my companion. I shrug and mouth "I'll tell you later". Patrik shows us to a small table in the back near the fireplace.
Shall I start you off with some soup?
Yes, Patrik I think that will hit the spot nicely.
Very good sir. He hurries off to the kitchen to bring us our soup.
There are only a few other customers in the diner. No one is sitting near us. So, I say to the young man, what should I call you?
He mumbles something.
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.
I don't got no name, he mumbles again.
I'm starting to get this helpless feeling. I think I might have stumbled into something too deep for me to handle alone. Where is Jaisea when I need her. I think this needs a females touch. Well what would you like to be called?
He shrugs. Whatever, he says.
I'm saved by Patrik arriving with our soup. I've got some brax steaks if you'd like some of those.
That'd be great Patrik, and some water and tea for the youngster, and some ale for me please.
Right away sir.
The kid is ravenous. He begins spooning up his soup like there is no tomorrow. I watch him eat and wonder what is really going on with this kid. He doesn't appear to be a child daeva, so he'll need warmer clothes than the ones he is wearing. Our brax steaks arrive a few minutes later.
Will there be anything else sir? Lowering my voice I say, could you run out and get me some warm blankets for the child please. I don't think he has anything other than what he's wearing.
Patrik takes the kinah I hand him and nods. Of course, I'll get one of the boys to take care of it.
We finish our food in silence. The kid cleans off his plate, not leaving any crumbs. He glances up at me.
What?!
I smile at him. My name is Madrion. I'm wondering if you have a place to sleep tonight?
He frowns at me. Why do you care?! I don't got to tell you anything!
No you don't. But neither do you have to sleep in the snow, unless of you want to of course, I say tartly.
It's all up to you. I stand up and start heading for the door.
To be continued….