Season Three, Chapter Seven
Shades of Grey - Part Five "Tell them what ?” came a voice from behind Nathan at the top of the stairs. It was Jed. Carolynn looked at Nathan, his face a plea of what to do next. Jed however was not in a patient mood, they had clearly crossed some line with him that he was not best pleased about. “So, do we tell our friend’s WHAT exactly ?” he repeated, but more firmly this time, an edge to his voice. Jed’s tone clearly crossed a line with Carolynn, for eyes afire, he rounded on him !
"Let me get this straight before it goes any further. Are you questioning my judgement, based upon you hearing my indecision as to whether or not I mention something to our hosts, the importance or the lack of, you have absolutely no idea about ?”
All the confidence and bravado visibly drained from Jed and pale faced he sat, rather upon the low wall that bordered Martin‘s roof, harder than he‘d probably intended. “When, I suppose that I…what I meant was,….if they are our friends, shouldn’t’t we,. not….try….no. No, I’m sorry alright !” Jed turned his face away, unable to look at the two of them, Carolynn in particular. He could not quite remember the last time he had heard that tone in Carolynn’s voice, but someone had died soon after. He remembered that, for it had been the very first time he had seen a dead person."Carolynn !” broached Nathan, with a look that said “Kell man, that was a bit harsh“, but Carolynn was having none of it, and turning to Jed said,
"Nathan and I have a few things to discuss, we will meet you downstairs. Shortly !” And with that terse remark, Jed was summarily dismissed.
When he’d gone Nathan, clearly less than happy with how thing’s had been dealt with, turned to him. “Was that really necessary to speak to him like that ?”
“You’d prefer I do it when the shell’s are flying and people are dying and he chooses that moment to question your or my integrity ? I gave him the benefit of the doubt for this trip, after the way he handled himself in the passage in the Mountains, and because I saw the man he was becoming. Today I saw the boy he was, a boy who has no place doing what we do ! There will be a time and a place to talk with Martin and it isn’t here or now. “
“You maybe right, but your people skills suck.” Nathan laughed, infectiously and the grim resolve Carolynn had been carrying for longer than he thought snapped, as his face broke into a grin, then he too was laughing.
“You are right as well I will apologise, didn’t realise how strung out I was. Thanks’ Nate for once again being my social compass, I do so easily lose my way. All those years looking after number one I suppose.”
“You don’t have to remind me, you gave my Bella and me a run for our money when we took you in. Poor woman had that many sleepless darks she swore she’d become nocturnal !” at which there was more laughter with a good deep sound, the sound of shared friendship. Carolynn flopped down with a deep sigh against the rail of the balcony, Nathan doing likewise. After a few moments to appreciate the slightly more pleasant night air, Nathan pulling back from his deeper thoughts said what they both were thinking
“We really need some time to think, so how about we give ourselves until after the Trades. I’m betting they still need time and the Trades going smoothly will give them that and get all the delegates out of Grey and out of their way“
“It also gives us a very strong hand at the negotiations.” Carolynn remarked as the pieces of what Nathan had said fell into place and a scheme germinated !
“What we need to do is ….” and so it was they plotted away the last of the quiet Dark, on the roof of the Inn with the remaining half bottle of Sallowclh to ease their conspiracy.“
As the light broke, they called down to breakfast and ate well to soak up the last of the Sallowclh, along with a few glasses of Martins cure-all, which as well as washing out the taste of Grey’s air, they were assured was good also for hangovers !
Grey used standard Terra time, so it was by 10 GST (Grey Standard Time), Nathan and Carolynn had found their place at the Trade-Talk and business commenced. The deal they sealed for Bronze Hearth was a good one, certainly better than folk back home would expect, but the two of them did not exploit their advantage of their hosts being pressed for time to the degree they could have, believing it unwise to attract to much attention. The Trade Hall’s proximity to the smelting hall also did not make staying around a welcome prospect besides, they also had other far more pressing matters to discuss before their departure from this City but even so they were not back at the inn until gone 22.30 GST
Upon their return, they were offered dinner and with the younger children in bed, they sat down to eat with Martin, Hannah and Jed and talked of their relative days. The PDF had called at “The Gallery” earlier, in a rouse of questioning everyone about last darks riots and the arson that took place. What they actually did was to out stay their welcome, drink as many free drinks as possible and get rowdy and abusive, scaring off the only 2 paying customers he’d had all light. Martin said such things were becoming too frequent and not just for him, it was the experience of many of the local retailers to have PDF Troopers turn up and help themselves to merchandise. The worst thing you could do then, as some found to their cost, was to complain, for this attracted severe retaliation in the form of damage to themselves and their premises and a marked increase in future payments. Martin had avoided this so far, but it had cost him a small fortune in free drink’s ! Again the Sallowclh came out and tales began to flow, with Martin telling them how before becoming an Inn keeper he was a metal worker by trade and it was these skill’s that had first got him work here in Grey. The plan had been to take the place on so he could work the metal shops by light, then help his Gloria, his wife in the Inn come dark until the Inn began to pay its way. Gloria’s illness and sudden death had put pay to all that though and he’d been managing the “The Gallery” ever since he first came here. Now he just wanted out, the place had overgrown itself and it was going to get a whole lot worse before it got any better.
Carolynn told of how he remembered City life, how it had been almost 60 cycles now since he had left behind the stench of the rotting Hives, and not once had he wished to return. Life in the Ceramite Cites could be harsh, but the air was clear and the dangers too, tending not to be the kind that stabbed you in the back or smothered you in your sleep. Jed had happier tales of a life in Bronze Hearth, open to the elements yet free of the smog and smell of too many people into small a space.
After a few more rounds of Sallowclh, sensing the time was as right as it would ever be, Carolynnand Nathan told of what they knew about the Baron’s plan’s and their development, taking Martin and Hannah to the roof so they could see for themselves the work that was underway. The remainder of the meal passed in virtual silence. Hannah eventually excused herself and left the Courtyard where they were seated, following which Jed announced he was tired and was going to turn in, and hurried after her.
“Any idea’s gentlemen, would be greatly appreciated, for I’m all out !“ said Martin, with a little mania in the giggle that followed the remark, as he poured himself another , the other two declining a refill by politely sitting a hand over their glasses.
“Here’s to the Baron’s, “ Martin rose unsteadily, raising his glass, arm fully outstretched to the heavens, “Who as they are not part of the solution, must be part of the problem !“
“I’ll drink to that,” said Carolynn, raising his glass too.
“Seconded !” replied Nathan, doing likewise.
“The Baron’s,” toasted Martin, “May they rot in a hell of their own choosing !“
a sentiment echoed by his two companion’s.
Carolynn glanced at Nathan, who nodded in acknowledgment.
“Alright to get some caffeine on Martin.” said Carolynn, “We have a long day tomorrow.”
“Of course my friends, be my guest, but you are, aren’t you, my guests !”, Martin laughed hollowly at his own pun and the air of maudlin upon him was thick and heavy.
“You had any offers on this place even ?” asked Nathan, whilst Carolynn could be heard clunking about in the kitchen .
“One !” Martin scoffed, but it was way too little.
“What about renting the place ?”
“Wouldn’t give me sufficient capital to get somewhere to go. Even with another job on the side and Hannah earning I couldn’t afford somewhere to go too !”
Carolynn returned with three mugs and put them down on the table, “Have a little Martin, the herbs I’ve added will take the edge off !”“Thanks‘. I’m sorry, I’m not good company when I‘ve sunk a few.”
“Get that down you,” said Nathan, “we need you sober.”
“Why ?” he asked.
“Because we have an proposition for you.”
Sipping their caffeine, Carolynn and Nathan explained.
In Bronze Hearth, Old Man Orsan, one of the village Elder’s was bedridden and so living with his son and daughter-in-law and had been for some time, being unlikely he‘d return home. In short, his “pod ” was empty. If Martin could rent out “The Gallery”, he could rent the old man’s place and still have a few Rad Bonds* spare.
“Part one, getting you all a house.” summed up Nathan.
*Rad Bonds - Local Space Sector currency and the most stable form of plastic-money on Zalthar and its neighbouring Planets.
They went on, suggesting to Martin he set himself up as the “metal-smith” to Bronze Hearth, he had the skill’s and as they had not had one for some time, all their work had to go to Ridge or Blue Slide,* both of which were a light and a darks journey at the least.
*Ridge and Blue Side, the nearest two Cities to Bronze Hearth.
Blue Side is a permanent City, carved into the softer rocks of the Aspine’s, a smaller range of Mountains than runs off the Worldspine Range about 40 miles to the south-West of Bronze Hearth. Set in a steep-sided valley, the City rises almost vertically up a long single South-facing cliff accessible only via climb-ways and a series of elevators.
Ridge is Bronze Hearths closest neighbouring Ceramite City during the High Grazing, lying some 50 miles North in a “V” shaped valley that cuts into Mount Lamina, 7th highest Peak in the Worldspine Mountains at 26, 752 ft.
They also explained to Martin there was the Caravan work, they often needed repairs and provisions to sell were always top of their list. Plus there was other passing trade and the fishers when the snows came and they went to the low grazing valley’s. If that was not steady enough, they explained he could always find a high herder shift or two.
When he’d gone Nathan, clearly less than happy with how thing’s had been dealt with, turned to him. “Was that really necessary to speak to him like that ?”
“You’d prefer I do it when the shell’s are flying and people are dying and he chooses that moment to question your or my integrity ? I gave him the benefit of the doubt for this trip, after the way he handled himself in the passage in the Mountains, and because I saw the man he was becoming. Today I saw the boy he was, a boy who has no place doing what we do ! There will be a time and a place to talk with Martin and it isn’t here or now. “
“You maybe right, but your people skills suck.” Nathan laughed, infectiously and the grim resolve Carolynn had been carrying for longer than he thought snapped, as his face broke into a grin, then he too was laughing.
“You are right as well I will apologise, didn’t realise how strung out I was. Thanks’ Nate for once again being my social compass, I do so easily lose my way. All those years looking after number one I suppose.”
“You don’t have to remind me, you gave my Bella and me a run for our money when we took you in. Poor woman had that many sleepless darks she swore she’d become nocturnal !” at which there was more laughter with a good deep sound, the sound of shared friendship. Carolynn flopped down with a deep sigh against the rail of the balcony, Nathan doing likewise. After a few moments to appreciate the slightly more pleasant night air, Nathan pulling back from his deeper thoughts said what they both were thinking
“We really need some time to think, so how about we give ourselves until after the Trades. I’m betting they still need time and the Trades going smoothly will give them that and get all the delegates out of Grey and out of their way“
“It also gives us a very strong hand at the negotiations.” Carolynn remarked as the pieces of what Nathan had said fell into place and a scheme germinated !
“What we need to do is ….” and so it was they plotted away the last of the quiet Dark, on the roof of the Inn with the remaining half bottle of Sallowclh to ease their conspiracy.“
As the light broke, they called down to breakfast and ate well to soak up the last of the Sallowclh, along with a few glasses of Martins cure-all, which as well as washing out the taste of Grey’s air, they were assured was good also for hangovers !
Grey used standard Terra time, so it was by 10 GST (Grey Standard Time), Nathan and Carolynn had found their place at the Trade-Talk and business commenced. The deal they sealed for Bronze Hearth was a good one, certainly better than folk back home would expect, but the two of them did not exploit their advantage of their hosts being pressed for time to the degree they could have, believing it unwise to attract to much attention. The Trade Hall’s proximity to the smelting hall also did not make staying around a welcome prospect besides, they also had other far more pressing matters to discuss before their departure from this City but even so they were not back at the inn until gone 22.30 GST
Upon their return, they were offered dinner and with the younger children in bed, they sat down to eat with Martin, Hannah and Jed and talked of their relative days. The PDF had called at “The Gallery” earlier, in a rouse of questioning everyone about last darks riots and the arson that took place. What they actually did was to out stay their welcome, drink as many free drinks as possible and get rowdy and abusive, scaring off the only 2 paying customers he’d had all light. Martin said such things were becoming too frequent and not just for him, it was the experience of many of the local retailers to have PDF Troopers turn up and help themselves to merchandise. The worst thing you could do then, as some found to their cost, was to complain, for this attracted severe retaliation in the form of damage to themselves and their premises and a marked increase in future payments. Martin had avoided this so far, but it had cost him a small fortune in free drink’s ! Again the Sallowclh came out and tales began to flow, with Martin telling them how before becoming an Inn keeper he was a metal worker by trade and it was these skill’s that had first got him work here in Grey. The plan had been to take the place on so he could work the metal shops by light, then help his Gloria, his wife in the Inn come dark until the Inn began to pay its way. Gloria’s illness and sudden death had put pay to all that though and he’d been managing the “The Gallery” ever since he first came here. Now he just wanted out, the place had overgrown itself and it was going to get a whole lot worse before it got any better.
Carolynn told of how he remembered City life, how it had been almost 60 cycles now since he had left behind the stench of the rotting Hives, and not once had he wished to return. Life in the Ceramite Cites could be harsh, but the air was clear and the dangers too, tending not to be the kind that stabbed you in the back or smothered you in your sleep. Jed had happier tales of a life in Bronze Hearth, open to the elements yet free of the smog and smell of too many people into small a space.
After a few more rounds of Sallowclh, sensing the time was as right as it would ever be, Carolynnand Nathan told of what they knew about the Baron’s plan’s and their development, taking Martin and Hannah to the roof so they could see for themselves the work that was underway. The remainder of the meal passed in virtual silence. Hannah eventually excused herself and left the Courtyard where they were seated, following which Jed announced he was tired and was going to turn in, and hurried after her.
“Any idea’s gentlemen, would be greatly appreciated, for I’m all out !“ said Martin, with a little mania in the giggle that followed the remark, as he poured himself another , the other two declining a refill by politely sitting a hand over their glasses.
“Here’s to the Baron’s, “ Martin rose unsteadily, raising his glass, arm fully outstretched to the heavens, “Who as they are not part of the solution, must be part of the problem !“
“I’ll drink to that,” said Carolynn, raising his glass too.
“Seconded !” replied Nathan, doing likewise.
“The Baron’s,” toasted Martin, “May they rot in a hell of their own choosing !“
a sentiment echoed by his two companion’s.
Carolynn glanced at Nathan, who nodded in acknowledgment.
“Alright to get some caffeine on Martin.” said Carolynn, “We have a long day tomorrow.”
“Of course my friends, be my guest, but you are, aren’t you, my guests !”, Martin laughed hollowly at his own pun and the air of maudlin upon him was thick and heavy.
“You had any offers on this place even ?” asked Nathan, whilst Carolynn could be heard clunking about in the kitchen .
“One !” Martin scoffed, but it was way too little.
“What about renting the place ?”
“Wouldn’t give me sufficient capital to get somewhere to go. Even with another job on the side and Hannah earning I couldn’t afford somewhere to go too !”
Carolynn returned with three mugs and put them down on the table, “Have a little Martin, the herbs I’ve added will take the edge off !”“Thanks‘. I’m sorry, I’m not good company when I‘ve sunk a few.”
“Get that down you,” said Nathan, “we need you sober.”
“Why ?” he asked.
“Because we have an proposition for you.”
Sipping their caffeine, Carolynn and Nathan explained.
In Bronze Hearth, Old Man Orsan, one of the village Elder’s was bedridden and so living with his son and daughter-in-law and had been for some time, being unlikely he‘d return home. In short, his “pod ” was empty. If Martin could rent out “The Gallery”, he could rent the old man’s place and still have a few Rad Bonds* spare.
“Part one, getting you all a house.” summed up Nathan.
*Rad Bonds - Local Space Sector currency and the most stable form of plastic-money on Zalthar and its neighbouring Planets.
They went on, suggesting to Martin he set himself up as the “metal-smith” to Bronze Hearth, he had the skill’s and as they had not had one for some time, all their work had to go to Ridge or Blue Slide,* both of which were a light and a darks journey at the least.
*Ridge and Blue Side, the nearest two Cities to Bronze Hearth.
Blue Side is a permanent City, carved into the softer rocks of the Aspine’s, a smaller range of Mountains than runs off the Worldspine Range about 40 miles to the south-West of Bronze Hearth. Set in a steep-sided valley, the City rises almost vertically up a long single South-facing cliff accessible only via climb-ways and a series of elevators.
Ridge is Bronze Hearths closest neighbouring Ceramite City during the High Grazing, lying some 50 miles North in a “V” shaped valley that cuts into Mount Lamina, 7th highest Peak in the Worldspine Mountains at 26, 752 ft.
They also explained to Martin there was the Caravan work, they often needed repairs and provisions to sell were always top of their list. Plus there was other passing trade and the fishers when the snows came and they went to the low grazing valley’s. If that was not steady enough, they explained he could always find a high herder shift or two.
“Part two, helping find employment !” said Nathan.
Nathan explained that Carolynn and he would be leaving on the light and the herd would leave at the end of the cycle for the low grazing. They would help him set up shop and as for Hannah, she could get work easily and the younger kids could go to the school during the snows and there were odd jobs around the herd in high grazing. They would also be a lot safer there than in Grey with it approaching melt-down.
“We know it’s a lot to think about, and we will help all we can. I think you would like Bronze Hearth, I know the kids would. And we get a metal-smith out of it, means no more sharpening my own tools again !” Carolynn laughed and slapped Martin’s shoulder, but the mans face seemed miles away.
“The people are a good crowd,“ added Nathan, “You would be an object of curiosity for a while, till something new comes along, then you are straight back to old news I’m afraid !“
“You’re right, it’s a lot to take in”, said Martin, “but we all know the clock here’s ticking and I’m not stuck with choices really am I. We have about a week, maybe two before those fortifications are complete, which ties in with the Trades being completed. Face it, Grey’s not a place you visit is it, it’s a place you come to cos you have too, so once the Trades are gone, there’ll be no more outside interference and the Baron’s will then do as they please. With the snow’s only just over a cycle off, no-one will be that anxious to leave so..”
“So ?” asked Carolynn.
“So you’ve got yourselves a metal-smith, provided the kid’s don’t have a problem !”
Dawn on the 3rd light in Grey was the same sickly and pallid affair with the senses, Carolynn and Nathan having sat up most of the dark again talking, for the longest time with Martin, but also between themselves, running over again when and how they could help Martin. They had not foreseen however, how this might play out.
They were down for breakfast early, Nathan with a fold of Rad Bonds to settle their bill. The family were already up, and judging by the strange look on their faces, Martin had already discussed thing’s with his children
“Did you hear, we are to have a new life where you live.” Smiled Joseph, a warm smile matched by that of his younger sister.
“Thank you for offering us this,” said Hannah, “I know Dad’s been trying to get us out for some time, but we had nowhere to go !”
“Guess it’s a hit then Martin,” said Nathan, “Sounds like everyone’s in agreement, you will be in touch soon as the rental’s arranged I take it ?”
“Actually, I have a bigger favour to ask,” said Martin, and all of a sudden, the room seemed deathly quiet.
“I would like you to take Joseph and Mariah with you today !”
“OKaay - “ said Carolynn, “You….”
“Sure I’m sure, and so are they. I think our time-table of one to two weeks was, optimistic to say the least !” Throwing down a hard copy of the local news onto the table as he spoke. Carolynn picked it up. On the front page the headline read “Protesters killed during “Slum-clearance“ programme.” Some 40+ “protesters”
Had been gunned down complaining about one of the “dead-zone‘s” being bulldozed through their homes, as was their right. The PDF allege they were fired on first, but no fire-arms could later be found amongst the dead. Over 100 more were wounded, as apparently something somewhere went wrong, leading to a Heavy Weapon Remote being turned on the crowd for less than 2 seconds. Less than 2 seconds for a chain gun was a lifetime, or in this case, 40+ lifetimes !
“OK, better get them ready, they’ll need good thick clothes, especially long pants as we’ll be riding, and I don’t want them getting grazed legs now ! Journey’s 2 days, but we’ll need food for 3, and plenty of that magic potion of yours t…”
Martin placed all the items Carolynn had rattled off on the table, and when the kids stood up, it was clear both were dressed for the occasion. Nathan and Jed smiled as Carolynn nodded his approval.
“Right then, Jed, Nate, grab your kit, Nathan and I will take one of you each and Jed will distribute your kit about his horse, you OK with that ?”
“Yes Mr Carolynn”, snapped Joseph “Can I ride with y…”
“That’s Carolynn to many and Car to my friend’s of which I thought you were one ? And yes, long as Nathan doesn’t mind, you can ride with me for now.”
It took what felt like an age with the arranging and rearranging of kit and supplies and small children, but eventually the goodbyes and see-you-soon’s had all been said and they began on foot, the hoses picking their way slowly up through the meandering streets and levels that lead up the cliff face that was Grey. By midlight, they had reached the top, and were now able to ride through the smog bound lunar landscape of the suburbs, putting appreciated distance between them and this shite-hole.
“What’s your house like Carol..Car ?” asked Joseph, the first of a hundred more questions about Bronze Hearth and “his” Mountains you’d expect from one as young and bursting with curiosity.
“This is gonna be one long journey.” Carolynn thought to himself !
End of Part 5
Mk
Nathan explained that Carolynn and he would be leaving on the light and the herd would leave at the end of the cycle for the low grazing. They would help him set up shop and as for Hannah, she could get work easily and the younger kids could go to the school during the snows and there were odd jobs around the herd in high grazing. They would also be a lot safer there than in Grey with it approaching melt-down.
“We know it’s a lot to think about, and we will help all we can. I think you would like Bronze Hearth, I know the kids would. And we get a metal-smith out of it, means no more sharpening my own tools again !” Carolynn laughed and slapped Martin’s shoulder, but the mans face seemed miles away.
“The people are a good crowd,“ added Nathan, “You would be an object of curiosity for a while, till something new comes along, then you are straight back to old news I’m afraid !“
“You’re right, it’s a lot to take in”, said Martin, “but we all know the clock here’s ticking and I’m not stuck with choices really am I. We have about a week, maybe two before those fortifications are complete, which ties in with the Trades being completed. Face it, Grey’s not a place you visit is it, it’s a place you come to cos you have too, so once the Trades are gone, there’ll be no more outside interference and the Baron’s will then do as they please. With the snow’s only just over a cycle off, no-one will be that anxious to leave so..”
“So ?” asked Carolynn.
“So you’ve got yourselves a metal-smith, provided the kid’s don’t have a problem !”
Dawn on the 3rd light in Grey was the same sickly and pallid affair with the senses, Carolynn and Nathan having sat up most of the dark again talking, for the longest time with Martin, but also between themselves, running over again when and how they could help Martin. They had not foreseen however, how this might play out.
They were down for breakfast early, Nathan with a fold of Rad Bonds to settle their bill. The family were already up, and judging by the strange look on their faces, Martin had already discussed thing’s with his children
“Did you hear, we are to have a new life where you live.” Smiled Joseph, a warm smile matched by that of his younger sister.
“Thank you for offering us this,” said Hannah, “I know Dad’s been trying to get us out for some time, but we had nowhere to go !”
“Guess it’s a hit then Martin,” said Nathan, “Sounds like everyone’s in agreement, you will be in touch soon as the rental’s arranged I take it ?”
“Actually, I have a bigger favour to ask,” said Martin, and all of a sudden, the room seemed deathly quiet.
“I would like you to take Joseph and Mariah with you today !”
“OKaay - “ said Carolynn, “You….”
“Sure I’m sure, and so are they. I think our time-table of one to two weeks was, optimistic to say the least !” Throwing down a hard copy of the local news onto the table as he spoke. Carolynn picked it up. On the front page the headline read “Protesters killed during “Slum-clearance“ programme.” Some 40+ “protesters”
Had been gunned down complaining about one of the “dead-zone‘s” being bulldozed through their homes, as was their right. The PDF allege they were fired on first, but no fire-arms could later be found amongst the dead. Over 100 more were wounded, as apparently something somewhere went wrong, leading to a Heavy Weapon Remote being turned on the crowd for less than 2 seconds. Less than 2 seconds for a chain gun was a lifetime, or in this case, 40+ lifetimes !
“OK, better get them ready, they’ll need good thick clothes, especially long pants as we’ll be riding, and I don’t want them getting grazed legs now ! Journey’s 2 days, but we’ll need food for 3, and plenty of that magic potion of yours t…”
Martin placed all the items Carolynn had rattled off on the table, and when the kids stood up, it was clear both were dressed for the occasion. Nathan and Jed smiled as Carolynn nodded his approval.
“Right then, Jed, Nate, grab your kit, Nathan and I will take one of you each and Jed will distribute your kit about his horse, you OK with that ?”
“Yes Mr Carolynn”, snapped Joseph “Can I ride with y…”
“That’s Carolynn to many and Car to my friend’s of which I thought you were one ? And yes, long as Nathan doesn’t mind, you can ride with me for now.”
It took what felt like an age with the arranging and rearranging of kit and supplies and small children, but eventually the goodbyes and see-you-soon’s had all been said and they began on foot, the hoses picking their way slowly up through the meandering streets and levels that lead up the cliff face that was Grey. By midlight, they had reached the top, and were now able to ride through the smog bound lunar landscape of the suburbs, putting appreciated distance between them and this shite-hole.
“What’s your house like Carol..Car ?” asked Joseph, the first of a hundred more questions about Bronze Hearth and “his” Mountains you’d expect from one as young and bursting with curiosity.
“This is gonna be one long journey.” Carolynn thought to himself !
End of Part 5
Mk
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