In a sitting room lined with books that survived the fall, a young historian named Charles comes face to face with the past he has always dreamed of meeting. Giles shares rumors from the city: lights in the sky, off-worlders, and soldiers on the hunt. And Darien remembers that no one on Six survives alone.

On a hill above a sea of mist, two lanterns rise from the earth, held up by enormous arms.

Dramatis Personae

Darien

A farm boy who grew up with big dreams fed by his aunt who raised him on a mixture of history and fairy tale. He’s currently on a quest to rescue Marialla, a woman he met earlier in the story, who has been kidnapped by the moon’s government for unknown reasons.

Night

A sword that shelters the AI persona of Nightingale, thirteenth ship of the Imperial Guard. He is haunted by the failures of his past.

Edna

Along with her husband Giles, she runs a family farm close to the city.

Giles

A farmer who has some knowledge of the state of politics in the city. He has become embittered by the taxes levied on his farm.

Charles

The youngest son of Edna and Giles, Charles attended university in the city where he studied history.

Professor Carter

Raymond Carter, head of the history department at the university in the city. He is rumored to be leading some kind of resistance to King Masterson.

King Masterson

Chase Masterson, once a member of the ruling council of Six. He seized power and named himself King of Six.