First Gear by Eve Langlais

Author:Eve Langlais [Langlais, Eve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Eve Langlais

10

Another half-dose of the powdered metal gone, and a reprieve from her cough that she knew wouldn’t last. Just like her peaceful existence might soon come to an end. Onaria had seen the fire a few nights ago, the glow lighting up the night sky. The full story came from her neighbor, Lorhj, when he came by on patrol.

Someone burnt down the Konle farm. No one knew what happened to the husband and wife, but speculation favored bandits. Especially since no bodies were found.

It was hard to feel too outraged, as she saw the people living out here on the edge showing signs of deprivation. When her supplies dwindled to nothing, would she be so choosy?

Supplies weren’t coming. The train had stopped running. The last passenger to arrive, the niece of her neighbor, brought horror stories of fires and looting, mass suicides and murders.

The end of the world refused to come quietly.

The closer death stalked those that remained, the more desperate some became. Despondency turned to violence, and dire things were done in desperation.

Right now it was only the bandits they worried about. Outsiders.

But the food situation worsened each day. What would she be willing to do when it ran out?

Jool wasn’t the only one to head into the mountains and not return. At times, she wished she’d gone with him.

Now, she could only wait, because, if she lost faith, the rope in the shed might find itself a use.

She wasn’t that desperate yet. Why just last night she dreamt her husband found paradise. A valley ripe with food and possibility.

She could have even sworn he saw her in that dreamscape, smiled at her, and whispered, “Hold on. I’ll be coming home soon.”

She hoped so. Because last night she caught a very distinct whiff of smoke and roasting meat.

Except there was no fresh meat in these parts. Just people.

Where are you, Jool?

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