Born in the shadow-filled alleys of Alchester's poorest district, Braeden never knew his parents. His earliest memories are of scrounging for survival among the city's forgotten children. Life on the streets taught him early that hunger is a constant companion and trust is a luxury he couldn't afford. His quick fingers and natural agility caught the attention of the thieves' guild when they spotted him stealing bread from market stalls with surprising dexterity for a child of ten.
The guild became the closest thing to family Braeden had ever known, though their acceptance came with steep expectations. Under their guidance, he learned the fundamentals of pickpocketing, starting with simple exercises using practice purses filled with bells, each mistake announcing itself with a telling jingle.
Despite his disheveled appearance, Braeden possesses a keen mind and sharp instincts, attributes that help him survive in the unforgiving urban landscape. While not exactly friends, his fellow Picks provide a semblance of community he'd never experienced.
My response settled the boy’s nerves, as he shrugged and said, “I didn’t want to insult you. I want my money.”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get it. Hungry?”
“No.”
I’d noticed him eyeing the plates a few tables away. Boiled potatoes and slabs of roasted pork so fatty it turned the stomach to look at them. But, to someone who probably hadn’t had a full meal in days or longer, the plate must look like it’d come straight from the king’s very own table.
“Maybe a little,” the boy said, swallowing.
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
Currently working the busy market districts and festival crowds, Braeden dreams of moving up the guild's ranks, though he's still learning to master his craft without getting caught. His small size and seemingly harmless appearance make him ideal for his current role, allowing him to weave through crowds unnoticed. While he maintains a tough exterior, necessary for survival on Alchester's streets, there remains a glimmer of childhood innocence in his eyes, a reminder that beneath the dirt and grime is still just a boy trying to find his place in a harsh world.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Braeden first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
