HABADIAH (HABIE to her friends), an orphan who makes a passable living on the streets of Caros' capital city by stealing. She is of the people of Lemur, a race of demi-humans who are one of Caros' indigenous peoples; they are powerful receptive empaths who can use this ability to heal. For Habie more than the others, the quest represents an amelioration of her fortunes. The call came at an auspicious time: she has just turned 18 and so lost the protection of the Clans who would speak for her if she got into trouble or avenge her if she met an untimely end.