The Waif

Bin encounters a boy sleeping in Niman Corin’s barn. He leaves a note inviting the youth to his home for a meal.  Sneaking away, Bin reflects on the punishments meted out by the town elders and on the burning of Niman Joel.

Lying in bed, Bin listens to his grandmother wheezing in her sleep and wonders how he might bring food to the boy.  He reflects on the consequences of dishonesty and ruminates on Joel’s capital sentence for aiding the Flying People.

Bin hears a whistle and leaps from bed to find the boy standing outside in the snow.  The boy accepts a scrap of bread from Bin and asks to be let in from the cold.  Bin worries about waking his Gam but obliges.

Seated beside the fire, the boy drains a bowl of soup and introduces himself as Ariael.  Pitying his guest’s unshod feet, Bin offers one of his boots. Ariael rejects the gift but hugs Bin to express his gratitude.