Thin rays of light peered out from over the horizon. The chill October air has not yet dissipated from the sleepy town of Lath's Stand.
Two figures carrying a third ran through the near freezing mist knowing their lives were in jeopardy. There were no regrets for what they did, but now there was nowhere to turn, nobody to rely on. The mother cried as she held her son, knowing that their time together may soon be at an end. They had been running for hours already and their strength was giving out. No yells were heard behind them, but they knew that those who were chasing them weren't far behind. If even at least one of them survived this day, they would be satisfied.
As if on cue, a sign of hope appeared. A large building with the sign, "House of Hope - An orphanage for precious children" stood in front of them. Knowing what each other had in mind, the father pounded on the door as the mother bundled the babe up in her cloak, revealing her identity. Her now uncovered wings glistened from the morning dew. She was an angel.
The husband turned suddenly and drew one of his sabers. Their pursuers were close, very close. Without further time to say goodbye to their only child, the husband grabbed his wife's hand and silently urged her to come. They spared only a second to look upon their son and hoped that whatever happened to them, that he would be okay. Against their will, they turned and ran away from the rising sun.
Grace HopeBringer woke up with a start as thunderous booms echoed throughout the entire building. Arming herself with her staff, the trim polar bear bolted to the front door. Her long hair swished behind her as she weaved through the halls. The children started to wake, their peaceful slumber now interrupted.
"Stay in your rooms!" Grace instructed. She entered the main lobby where the front door was. There didn't appear to be any intrusion, but being cautious anyway, she crept to the door. She dared a peek through the window. Nobody seemed to be outside.
"Prankster kids?" she muttered as she cracked open the door. She almost missed seeing the bundled cloak on the step until something within the garment moved. "What the...?" She bent down and parted the cloak to uncover the blue squirrel babe who slept on despite the recent excitement. Grace gasped and turned her head to look down the surrounding streets. All empty. She looked for a note, identification, or anything else that would solve the mystery of who this young stranger was. Nothing. As she picked up the lone babe, she was shocked yet again. The baby had wings. The shock soon left, replaced by a gentle smile. "Well then, I guess I'm just going to have to take care of you... My little angel."