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was but child, hardly seven cycles old. Vintra was known for its harsh winters, but this particular winter had been particularly severe. Agnes had told him to not waste his time at the window, through the thick storm, it would be impossible to see any arriving visitors. Nonetheless, in his excitement, he looked out the window, eager to see the rich family that had scheduled the visit. It wasn’t long before he was rewarded with the sight of a dark blob moving over the snowy plains. As the blob moved closer, it revealed six wheels aligned in rows of three, and a large metal, square body.
    “They’re here!” yelled Xalen. He knew for a fact this particular family was looking for a boy around his age. This was the day. The day that he might actually be adopted.
    “You better not embarrass me, boy!” hissed Agnes.
    “No. No. I won’t”
    A knock on the door.
    The boy’s skin tingled with excitement.
    When Agnes opened the door, a man and a woman trudged in, noses held high. Their extravagant, multicolored silk clothing was but a small testament to their wealth. The pencil-mustached man wore a long blue robe. The woman had a fine red dress draped over her large body. She wore an oversized gold ring on each finger, and three sparkling silver necklaces hung from her neck.
    The man’s eyes took in his surroundings with a quick glance. Then, in a tone that made it clear he didn’t think much of the dull orphanage, he said, “I still don’t see why we had to come to this place, dear. There are plenty of orphanages in the Bastion. Coming so far out to the outskirts is such a waste of our valuable time.”
    The woman did not look entirely convinced. “Those Bastion boys have spent their entire lives running from the law. I want a good boy to love. One who does not have a rebellious heart.”
    Xalen took this as his cue. He casually strode in front of the couple. He did not look their way, feigning that he was headed into the kitchen.
    The woman took the bait. “And who might this charming young man be?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with something that, in his naive mind, Xalen thought could only be love.
    “He’s a nobody,” said Agnes before Xalen could answer. She stepped in front of the boy. “His only purpose here is to clean.”
    The man ran his finger over a countertop. His pale finger grew dark with dust. “He’s not really good at his job, is he?”
    Sensing that he was losing the family, Xalen stepped out from behind Agnes. “I’m actually an orphan here, sir.”
    “Ahhhh,” cried the woman. “He’s so cute and adorable. What is your name, boy?”
    “Xalen.” He tried to remain calm, even though his insides felt as if they were going to explode.
    “This boy is not up for adoption,” said Agnes, her face growing white. She was in danger of losing her hardest working servant. “He’s a freak who doesn’t listen to reason.”
    “Nonsense,” countered the rich woman. “He’s nothing but a sweetheart.” She crouched down, so that she and Xalen were face to face. An overwhelming scent of jasmine perfume flowed from her and into Xalen’s nostrils. He tried not to sneeze. “Would you like to come with me? There is a large garden back home where you could play with your sisters and brothers. We’ll attend plays every week, and enjoy only the sweetest foods and treats from across the universe.”
    Xalen swallowed hard with excitement. “I would have brothers and sisters?”
    “Oh, yes. They were orphans just like you. But not anymore.”
    Xalen’s skin tingled. “Yes. Y...es. I would love that very much.”
    What happened next occurred so quick, that Xalen barely had enough time to register the events. Agnes came behind him, took hold of his old shirt and pulled it over his head. By the time Xalen had tugged his shirt back down, the damage had already been done.
    “What was that?” shrieked the woman. The compassionate face she’d had before had given way to one of pure terror.
    “I