Part 2

Eigengrau waited until James was completely inside the house before speaking. She watched him carefully, and when the time was right, she strode into view.

"An oprhan?" She asked him.

“Who’s there? It may look abandoned but this is still my family’s house! The Mayor said so!” James yelled, pulling a knife.

She looked at him for a moment, shaking and holding a rusty knife with determination. “Relax, you are in no danger, not yet at least.” She watched him carefully, gauging his reaction to her prescence.

“Who are you?” James asked, voice quivering slightly. “Why are you here?”

Straight to the point, she thought. Maybe he can still be saved. She started to move toward the dining table, weaving a tale. “I saw your exchange with the shopkeeper awhile ago and grew curious. A boy with tattered yet regal clothes begging? So I followed and found this house.” she sat down at the long dining table and frowned. “Something is not right. This was not supposed to happen.” That much was true. James Hargrave was not supposed to be in this state. She watched as he eventually approached the table and sat down. He didn't take his eyes off her, but he began to eat.

“What wasn’t supposed to happen?” he asked, stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth.

“Something unexpected happened. This is curious. How old are you James?” She didn't need to ask him, but she wanted confirmation that he was not becoming a feral child.

He narrowed his eyes and looked her up and down before answering. “I’m turning 12 after the festival next month. Why?”

Good. Exactly the kind of response James should have to such a personal question, she was pleased. “In that case, I will leave you with a birthday gift while I am gone. Look inside your Father’s trunk after I leave. This may seem strange, but you must not leave the district until I return. Do you understand?” She gave him this restriction simply to see how he would react. A small test.

“Why?” James asked, finishing off one of the apples. “Who are you?”

Excellent answers. Questioning strange requests and strange people immediately. This conversation had been extremely enlightening for her. “You will understand one day. Consider me a friend.” She went to the trunk immediately after speaking, and placed the enchantment on it. This should help him for some time, until I can strongarm the other Gods.

"Worry not, James Hargrave." Eigengrau said out loud in the empty room. "The Goddess of Death is watching over you."