Sofia, First Outpost

I whistle as I open the pen, and the woollybacks walk in without fuss. Looks like they’ve finally gotten used to it. Back when we left the Steppes, it had been a whole different story. Dad and I really had a rough time: every evening it took hours to corral them, count them, chase down the strays… But with Puff’s help, things eventually worked out. I glance at the ram, and he stares right back at me—maybe a little too insistently. I swallow hard and close the gate before heading down the path toward the farm. Funny that I’m the only one he seems to tolerate. As I walk, I munch on my snack while watching the town rise up around us. Solid houses are being built, homes sprout up around the mess and the town square.

Rumor has it Sofia’s been chosen to become the first permanent outpost built beyond Asgartha’s borders. Now that the Hunger is gone, it feels like a shadow has been lifted from the Screed, and the air’s sure easier to breathe. Sap extraction still goes on, but word is the Farm is already cutting back, now that the crops have taken root and mostly just need tending… I stop short, surprised by what I see. Mom is standing there in front of the house, even though she should be aboard the Ouroboros. She’s talking with Dad and another woman. As I get closer, I realize it’s Admiral Singh. What’s she doing here? The three of them turn toward me as I come down the trail.