A luxurious carriage traveling racing through the muddied snow with utmost speed towards their destination, many men their appearance strong and burly ride alongside heads darting in all directions. For many moons they flee from what only they know, and know they do as a heavily pregnant woman is within said carriage crying in agony alongside a man who holds her hand dearly despite the pain of her herculean strength in these moments of her suffering.

When the final cry rings aloud enough to deafen all in close proximity, the ordeal is finally over and the man who now with his hand broken and ears ringing see's the child in the process of becoming entombed in the soft warm embrace of the curtain of which they were forced to take in haste for there was no time but thankful that they had.

The self proclaimed doctor more so green midwife turns to the man and declares that it is a boy, a boy that can and will carry on his legacy should they free themselves from the grasp of their pursuers, when the man hears this he exclaims loudly "it is destined that we do so, and should we not I will take them all with me gods be dammed".

And so they continue to ride pushing the horses for all they can muster, days turn to weeks with their place of refuge coming ever closer with the mother of the child almost catatonic turning from pale to ever more sickly and still, the man growing increasingly worried pleads to the doctor the midwife, she proceeds to exclaim much to the mans utmost anger almost enough to rend her neck from the shoulders that it sits upon "this is beyond my expertise!" she cries panicking seeing the mans eyes feeling her life nearing its end when the man already drawing his blade with hand unbroken only to pause midway much to the midwifes relief, "Useless" he whispers looking at the frail frame of the shaking woman.

Many moons later one of the men riding at the head of the convoy exclaims with all the volume he could force through his exhaustion "City ahead!" and so they had, after a long and arduous journey arrived at their bastion of safety, when the group arrived at the gate and all pleasantries were over one of the men standing alert remarked "What is that stench?" and so forcing their way through to the door of the carriage the guardsmen seeing a man delusional cradling the head of the woman now decaying in rotten juices spread and vulgar smell thick as smoke wafting from inside the normally steadfast men retched and heaved. As they did so the midwife carrying the boy speedily exited the open door only to collapse and expel all her stomach held whist holding a wrapped object tenderly as her face drenched in tears flowing from her eyes resembling a waterfall.

The guardsmen with nothing left to discharge bar the lining of their stomachs had regained composure, all within sight all they could hear was the man babbling and the woman sobbing one still holding the long dead corpse the other holding a child wrapped and secure when the senior of the men riding alongside the carriage making his way with languid pace towards them began his tale of what had transpired the daring escape the journey and finally their arrival the guards listening stiff with mouths agape in disbelief nodded slowly confused apprehensive expressions donned and finally realization as to what the presence of those before them held panic quickly consumed those listening one was sent to ring the bell reserved for only emergencies whilst the rest hurriedly ushered the convoy through the immense gates to safety.

Citizenry abound bearing expressions of terror with only the guidance of men whom was their duty kept them orderly and roads clear the convoy made their way towards the residence of the family ruling for the decision of which they make may be saving grace banishment or death whether by them or the biting cold of harsh winter

After what felt like eons in reality minutes passed did the convoy arrive at the illustrious mansion its height dwarfing buildings around walls taller than multiple men and gates sturdy enough to resist the most forceful of impacts a lone man standing waiting at the entrance dressed sharp in black suit with hair well tended and slick peered with a hawk like gaze at the carriage noticing the symbol on its side motioned with one hand, at this men behind the gates hurried making passage open allowing the guests to pass unmolested.

The midwife with child in hand alongside the senior of their escort trusted with ensuring the safety of his charges flanked by the lord of this lands personal guard with the father absent seemingly deranged made their way through the awe inspiring front gardens towards the entrance fear and apprehension visible when the doors were opened not ten steps away from arrival to a scene most welcoming with attendants in rows and the lord himself arms open in welcome gesture half turned one arm dropping to his side the other guiding towards a long table sitting not far where veritable feast sat upon

Attendants guiding the out of place duo to seats pre determined the senior at far end on one side midwife sitting opposite with the lord sitting at the head all sat in silence the two nervous without will to eat despite their hunger the lord observing in contemplative silence time passed slowly almost painfully when finally with solemn nod did the pair partake in the food so graciously provided

Bellies beyond full almost sickeningly so the lord whom only had eaten enough to savor the taste began his interrogation with a seemingly simple question "what happened?" which only silence answered until the midwifes choking turned suppressed sobbing resounded seeing the woman's state the lord turned to the senior whom retold what he regaled the guards at the outer gate the circumstances of their arrival as the tale continued a prominent frown was growing ever more visible

As the recounting ended rising slowly with silent wrath scowl deep and unsightly evoking dread in the hearts of his guests the lord turned to his most trusted men and decreed "We can not host our most venerable guests but we will not send them out in this cold without aid" hearing this the duos faces pale and their heads fall as fear of unknown future takes hold as even with sufficient supply the convoy will not make it to their next possible safe haven

With orders received the guard and attendants usher the pair back to the carriage where the men looking relieved with thirst slaked and hunger sated to deliver news most harrowing upon hearing the lords proclamation frustration and anger ensue some willing to draw steel only to take in their surroundings as in the doing it would only guarantee a swift if not painful demise so with apathy and despair lingering on the faces of the men and woman they trudge their way towards the opposite gate of their entrance back into biting cold of the wilds with only what aid they were given and the hope of making it to where salvation lies ahead.

The convoy hearing the gates creaking behind slowly almost tauntingly at their soon to be frozen end with stench still lingering from the late spouse and rambling echoes of the now deranged man make their way towards a bleak future with little to no hope on the horizon continue their journey with grumblings of malcontent bordering seething hatred for those that had forced them into these dire circumstances the senior listening initially agrees only to shake his head to force such mutinous thoughts away for should they have the slightest chance of surpassing this trial it must be done united and so mustering his remaining courage his strength he addresses his friends his fellow men at arms but with only one word passing through his lips "Men!" a cacophony of sounds coming from the woods dense and dark as the black night without moon nor starlight uncomfortably close interrupts too close to them and the city they had departed not minutes before.

Thoughts of treachery creeping in either the lord or one of their own slowly clouding judgment looking at one another in suspicion fearing the worst all bodies able with energy from food gifted prior ready themselves with eyes cautious waiting in formation ready when a pack of wolves confident from hunts past burst from the tree line from all directions only to be met with steel bones broken flesh flayed roars of beast and men alike corpses amassing finally did the rabid animals retreat beaten when losses were extensive.

Battle finished and numbers counted men in the aftermath were calling a lone sword lay in the snow its owner lost nary a clue of how or when the man vanished with melancholy the group could only proceed toward the slowly diming light of freedom.

With the sun dipping and light fading once again the convoy are made to camp in the ever increasing cold fire taking ever more time and effort to spark some men and the midwife child in hand sit close taking as much heat possible a man asks no one in particular "We goin' make it yeah?" his accent slipping back to his peasant origin the senior not wanting to embarrass him spat into the fire "course" to which the man smiled thankful another asks "wont they come after us while we rest?" the senior again answered "they wont" "why not?" the senior sighed "because it's dark" at this the midwife chuckled only to quickly cover her mouth with a hand as the others snickered the man whom asked quickly joined them stifling his laughter.

As the joy died down the midwife asks "what's your name?" gesturing towards the senior "Desmond or Dez yours?" hearing such she sighs "finally, I'm Katie or Kate" she replies and so they share names around with the man whose accent slipped now known as Brodie the second to ask a question now Jason followed by Derek Stanley and finally Adrian the small group around their fire slowly bonding Brodie asks "the kids name?" to which silence falls Brodie left in confusion when Kate finally answers "He is unnamed his father not able and his mother is"  she trails off with face downcast the ignorant man taking thrice as long the others realizing with a start voice soft head downturned apologizes henceforth keeps his mouth closed with mood now somber all decide to turn in to rest.

Come morning once more the convoy travels scenery barley changing forest blanketed in white flanking both sides only sounds of hooves and carriage trailing one man riding close to the door felt a discomforting silence realizing the muffled voice once prevalent from inside seemed to have stilled fear and worry etched upon his features passing message along through the men reaching the senior Desmond calls all to slow eventually halting sitting stationary opening the door with anxious heart seeing the man the father of the boy slumped and unmoving rations given untouched and spoiled he calls out only to receive silence in return with desperate speed checking for signs of life but there were none face despondent he declares the father gone offers a short prayer a moment of silence before assigning men to dig shallow graves dragging the matrimonially bound pair out faces scowling foul odor potent into holes barely with enough depth covering the pair in soil all the while the midwife standing not far sheds a tear not for them but for the boy still unnamed.

The short procession over all ready to leave with carriage door stopped open the convoy departs with eyes searching listening for signs of flowing water not only to refill slowly depleting supply but also to cleanse mobile shelter they now possess carry onward.

it is only after several cycles pass one stumbled upon a creek of minor size whilst searching for flat lands to camp Adrian discovers water streaming thinly with gleeful cry heard by all filled with much mirth he calls the others to share the miracle of his finding and a miracle it is indeed for this creek unmarked even upon the most detailed of cartographic parchments to all present is a sign a sign showing that their path is true and righteous they shall not falter nor fail is how this bounty is interpreted jovial tones are short lived however as a beast vast in size silent betraying such snatches a man smiling laughing at the rear in its immense and terrible jaws with a quickness none could follow hearing only the screams grow distant and fleeting behind them.

Fear radiating with such intensity sweat building upon brows of all in witness forestry growing ever darker with whispers and illusions of terrible creatures linger birds rustling insects buzzing sights and sounds provoking panic in the minds of all when suddenly a terribly loud snap sends heads swinging bodies tense and ready all with drawn steel prepared for conflict when Katie accompanied by Derek walk into sight drawing sighs only to pause when she asks "Where's Brodie?" her eyes searching and head turning the men now knowing who was taken don sorrowful expressions Desmond replied "Gone" several seconds later finally understanding with eyes beginning to glisten the lone woman with voice shaking stunned in shocked silence forcing a whisper through tightened throat "okay" before turning making her way back from whence she came.

Water reserves full carriage cleansed midwife and child within the convoy continue their treacherous journey the end of which seems so distant and daunting only through strength of will degraded but still present and determination can they find salvation.

With no game in sight for days weeks on end whether by volume of convoy or malevolent forces rations become scarce men lost in searching and weakness once more thoughts of suspicion and mutiny arise instincts of self preservation and dark thoughts in minds of all but those with most durable mental fortitude question can they make it is such a lofty goal worthy of such suffering for whom do we risk more lives a babe without house to return one without power nor leverage why not discard such a burden to the whiteness of pure beautiful snow muddied as it is only when seeing the midwife Katie that such thoughts are banished for she almost skeletal skin tight against bones with utmost effort feeding the child with ever diminishing breast that the men dwindling in numbers remember their purpose but the will of men is weak when a supposed sign turned loss the ever pursuing terror and starvation close what little of the convoy remains turn on one another opposing opinions turn scuffles only for most to draw steel soon after the midwife and Desmond sneaking away towards the forest whilst violence ensues hearing blades clashing and screams of pain some begging for life spared few of which familiar only silenced shortly after when Stanley calls "lay down your weapons and bring the child" with another agreeing repeating the same.

The two with only one blade between them lay low listening stilled for as skilled as the senior is alone he cannot challenge them for their numbers may be larger hidden minutes after their declaration hearing footsteps of the sounds of slush stood upon not ten feet away the pair hold their breath with hands covering mouths they wait in suffering silence praying men once friendly pass with both unnoticed again the traitor calls "come out, we wont hurt you I swear on my name, we only want the child and now the woman, the she devil has tempted our boys for far too long, don't you think she should pay her due DEZ" the woman shivered hearing the disgusting tone of the man slowly growing distant one last sentence heard on the wind eliciting terror in the woman's mind "we'll be gentle" upon hearing this the senior Desmond with quiet voice whispers "take my rations its not much only that which I have on my person and go I'll hold them as long as my body permits" The midwife Katie attempts to object only to be met with the mans hardened stare and reluctantly nods her head.

As the senior with feline like movements circles around towards opposite direction the now truly alone woman with none to lean on for support physically nor emotionally makes her way opposite steady with child in arms dependent no longer with tears to spare continues onward through the bramble when clashes of conflict finally become audible it is but an echo upon the distant horizon.

Rations long consumed and pursuers lost with tracks erased by most generous winds injuries aplenty on the frail body of the woman Katie still with child in arms finds not the city not even a village but a camp a camp of nomads surprisingly friendly but friendly as they are even in their struggle against nature the pair are welcomed but with nothing to trade and them nothing to give except shelter for the night the next morning the midwife and child continue with directions given towards their salvation.

The woman's passing close with starvation biding its time to claim her kept at bay with any and all that appears edible her thirst only satiated with muddied snow but all in thanks to the nomads does the lone decrepit almost corpse like being with eyes unclear and foggy see the glistening glowing lights of flame upon torches in the distance so with one final effort the midwife Katie trudged towards the gates of the boys salvation.

Upon her arrival the guards have no time to question as the woman Katie falls her effort spent and breath still body lifeless the guardsmen seeing the child still alive a miracle in such conditions can only think of one solution send such a pitiable being to the orphanage with identification lost in flight he is but a nameless boy forever to remain as such.