Prologue
Distracted by the bustle of the market, the woman failed to notice it until her foot happened to brush against it. The baby, cold and hungry from many hours outside, let out a tired whimper. Katja reached down and gently scooped up the newborn, pulling the thin shawl tighter around its shivering frame.
People hurried past her, laden with baskets of fruit, bread, and grain, chattering as they went. She peered around the corner of the sandstone building at the busy vendors and customers, none of whom paid her any attention.
Retreating back into the cool shade, she peered into the tiny face. “Shadow,” she murmured.
Chapter 1
“Thirty-six years ago, Russell and Katja left the city of Greyminster, taking Rose, who was a baby then, with them. They came here to Westgate, where they started the settlement, and carried on taking in children ever since.” Shadow glanced down at the notes in her hand, knowing they didn't contain the answers she wanted.
Cherry didn't seem to notice. “Well done. Clear and concise, and well presented. You can sit back down now.”
Shadow plopped herself back onto the floor between Blessing and Tartan, as the teacher continued, “For tomorrow, I want you to get into pairs, and think about your favourite areas of the clanship, and tell me why you like them. All except for you, Shadow. The rest of you, off you go to dinner.” She beckoned the eldest girl to her. “You, my dear, are off to see Russell and Katja. I'm afraid this is the last day I'll be teaching you.”
It was difficult for Shadow to stop grinning. She'd been waiting for this for months. It wasn't that she disliked Cherry – on the contrary, the warm, motherly woman was like a beacon of contentment – but she'd got to the point when she felt she was learning nothing. Helping the younger children understand the lessons got boring fast, too.
She gave Cherry a quick hug, and walked as quickly as politeness allowed towards the Founders' House. The warm, rough rooms were deserted, everyone having gone to the kitchens. Reaching the brick-red woollen partition, she drew it aside and poked her head into the apartment.
“Hello! Can I come in?”
The white-haired couple looked up.
“Of course,” Katja nodded.
The girl perched on the edge of the worn, patched third chair, and looked expectantly at the elderly couple. “You asked me to come and see you?”
“Yes, dear child,” Russell replied. “As I'm sure you know, today is the fifteenth year to the day since my wife” - he shot an affectionate smile towards Katja - “since my wife found you. The time has come for you to stop your studies and take a job for yourself.”
“Have you thought about what you'd like to do?” the old woman asked.
Shadow opened her mouth eagerly, then hesitated. “Not – not really, I suppose. Well, I have, but – I don't know.”
Katja smiled. “What do you mean?”
“Well, I have a good memory and I like people, so I thought maybe I could be a teacher. But then I love being outdoors, and moving around. I couldn't just stand around inside all day. But I'm no good at growing plants, so I couldn't be a gardener, and I'm not big and strong like the builders. So... I don't know.” She sighed, and looked up, to find the leaders exchanging a smiling glance. “What? What is it?”
“We might have just the job for you,” Russell said. “How would you like to be a messenger?”
“Like Morning? I'd love to – getting to run around, talk to everyone, even see outside Westgate! But I thought we didn't need more than one.”
“Now that the clan's getting bigger, poor Morning is rushed off his feet at all hours,” he explained. “And the poor boy deserves some time to relax, the same as anyone. So,” the old man smiled, “will you do it?”
Shadow let her grin spread. “Of course! It's perfect! I promise I'll be the best messenger ever-”
Russell made a signal for her to be quiet. “Yes, well, we're happy you're pleased,” he said sheepishly. “Go and have dinner, and Morning will talk you through your tasks, hours and so forth this evening. Off you go, child.”
She sprang to her feet, and gave the couple each a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. Turning at the door, she glanced back again. “Thank you!”
Any comments, constructive criticism, ideas for titles, or if you've noticed any typos etc. would be very welcome.
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