Chapter 65

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.