4 The Children of the Damned
The six children ages one, two, three, five, six and seven were gathered for the first time. Nervousness, suspicions and a hint of fear could be seen in some of their eyes. Across five years, their first success only occurred three years ago on a little boy of aged four at that time. In ascending order of age, Rachael, Viola, Peter, Doris, Michael and Vaughn all stood together quietly while nervously glancing at each other.
The first few weeks were torture for each of them and they will probably remembered it for the rest of their lives, with the exception of those two toddlers who might not even remember once they have grown-up. However once the torture was over, they were treated very well with proper food, education, entertainment and toys. The only exception was lack of freedom to leave their glass cage and isolation from other children.
It wasn't long before a group of well dressed people came into the room. Each of them appears to have high social standings. Led by Sigmund and Anna the rest of entourage quickly settled down at the luxurious leather seats available while scrutinizing the children.
" Welcome my Lords and Ladies to our humble abode. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule... " Sigmund welcomed.
" Sir Sigmund, thank you for having us today. " a blond haired blue-eyed gentleman responded.
" It's our pleasure Earl Bryan. "
" I can see the resemblance in each of these children clearly. Did you perhaps include some of your own as well ? Lady Anna... " a red-haired mature beauty looked towards Anna.
" Yes, I did. Countess Veronica. It's every woman's dream to have a child or two... " the black-haired lady surgeon responded.
" How close are they to our actual lineage ? " a silvered-haired gentleman questioned.
" As close to your own flesh and blood. So close that a paternity test will definitely return with positive results... Duke Rafael. " Sigmund answered while staring at the six year old boy.
" If that's the case, I'm indeed pleased that our family's lineage will continue on at least for another generation... " the last green-eyed and brown long hair female finally spoke with an air of elegance.
" I'm glad it pleases you Duchess Danielle... " the grey-haired Sir Sigmund replied, very pleased with their responses.
Realization struck the children that their hair color somehow matches with one of the six nobles staring at them.
" Children, from today onwards you will be adopted by these fine Ladies and Lords. They will be your parents from now... " Anna sweetly whispered to them.
The children's eyes sparkled when they heard that they will be adopted into these distinguished houses. Anywhere would definitely be better than where they are currently staying. A caged bird always hoped to spread their wings across the vast skies.
It would seems that all these were premeditated long ago as each of these great houses were without an official heir. No matter how powerful and rich a house was, without an official heir it would be destroyed when their current head of household passes away as titles have always been inherited by direct bloodlines or kinship.
