Edward sat down in his chair with a thump. “You know about Earth?” He hadn’t made a list, but Edward was sure this was one of the last responses he expected from the Westerings. “Yes,” Anna said gently. “Everyone on Midhbar came from Earth before it was destroyed.” Amelia looked at Edward and saw that […]

Everyone in the cellar was startled when Amelia let out a squeal of delight. “He’s so cute!” she said, hands pressed to the sides of her face. Her outburst surprised all of them, but what shocked Edward was her unrestrained glee. Amelia normally kept up an air of ironic detachment, like all the other teenagers […]

Erik knew one thing for certain — that creature in Cyrus’ wagon might be a cross-breed, but it was no freak of nature. The thing reeked of magic. He and Cyrus agreed on that, but neither could guess its purpose, or who created it. Most likely, it was a wizard. The dwarves were always up […]

Edward and Amelia watched the guards of the Watch hurrying across the green and back toward the South gate. Erik came up quickly behind the children, startling them both, and said, “Let’s go, you two.” Without looking back to see if the children were following him, Erik set off for other side of the green, […]

People on the street stopped and stared as Edward and Amelia entered Westering, escorted by the South gate Watch. Nestor greeted a few of the townspeople by name. Ralph, who was the tallest person in sight after Nestor, walked ten feet ahead of them. He cleared the way by scowling and waving off anyone who […]