Tobias was mortified. There were a lot of mucky farm jobs, but somehow the filth of animals did not feel as disgusting as that of people. And this degree of filth! He was certain he had never witnessed it before.

And the smell! He was going to wash himself over and over as soon as he got to the inn. Maybe he'd have a bath run. Perhaps he'd go all the way and burn his clothes. But even then, would the smell ever leave? He didn't want to catch her lice or flees or bedbugs either. He already felt the itching all over his body.

He tried to withdraw his hand from her grip. "Let's go then, ma'm. Do you know where you live?" He very much doubted she did. Did she even live anywhere? Perhaps he should take her to the Vagrant Ward.