The Burden is the name given to a group of Spackle who were enslaved by the Old World settlers after the Spackle War. Almost all of them were killed, thanks to Mayor Prentiss, with only 1017 (also known as the Return) having survived.
History[]
Chaos Walking trilogy[]
The Ask and the Answer[]
The Burdern first appear trapped in an old monastary in Haven. The Burden consist of male, female, and young Spackle. Todd and Davy force the Burden to do farmwork in a day; Davy and Todd watch them, and Todd also has to feed them. The Burden are treated like slaves or animals.
Days later, Todd has to tag the Burden under Davy's watch. One of the Spackle, 0038, is choked to death by Davy from being tagged on the neck. In response, the Spackle attack the humans and the humans shoot the Spackle to keep them in line.
Monsters of Men[]
One of the protagonists of book three is the Return, who used to be part of the Burden. Throughout the novel, the Return desires to avenge the Burden.