Book 2 Chapter 38: Edge of Eden

Book 2 Chapter 38: Edge of Eden

The deadman let his rifle dip a bit, his eyes widening. East? East as in across the Crevasse?

I nodded, not needing a big mental leap to understand that the Crevasse was what they called the Cut.

The man paused for a few moments, before letting his gun drop to his side and opening his arms wide. Brother! He said as he wrapped me in a hug.

I was so surprised I let it happen, for a second before pushing him away. The deadmen all exchanged glances, some smiling, some concerned, and I heard a few of them that were still near cover starting to mutter to one another.

The third of the deadmen in front of me, the one who hadnt yet spoken, stepped forward. Hes lying. No one has ever come from across the Crevasse.

The woman shook her head. The First did. We wouldnt be here if he hadnt.

The man bared his teeth. The First is different. We can compare some stranger to him!

Nate rubbed his forehead. Enough! This is pointless. Whether or not hes lying, its one of our jobs to bring our fellow deadmen, our brothers and sisters, home. He looked up at me, a wide welcoming smile on his face. Will you come with us? We have a place thats safe for all deadmen. A place where food is plentiful, and where paradise is assured.

I noted that they called themselves deadmen as well, and their mission was very similar. That combined with their statements about the First and I was quickly drawing conclusions. I nodded. Ill come. Need to search them for ammo first though. I said gesturing behind myself to the dead.

He nodded back, still smiling. We need to shore a few things up anyway. Once youre through well lead you to Eden, The argumentative deadman started to speak up when Nate shot him a look, as is the responsibility of all Shepherds. The other mans eyes turned downward.

I nodded at them, and started to go through the pockets, and guns of the men Id killed. I found a smattering of ammunition, almost enough 9mm to restock where Id been before the fight, and a handful of .308 on top of that. I pulled up my notifications while I worked.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Excellent work Marshall! Youve successfully performed a secondary goal of your job Combat! Youve earned 60 Patriot Points!

Excellent work Marshall! Youve successfully performed a secondary goal of your job Tracking Suspects! Youve earned 60 Patriot Points!

Congratulations Citizen! You have earned ranks in Melee Weapons! From Bowie knives to Picketts charge, the US may have been too advanced for swords, but its spilled blood for freedom!

Congratulations Citizen! You have earned a rank in Pistol! Good job exercising your 2nd amendment rights

Congratulations Citizen! You have earned a rank in tracking! Like the brave indian on the fertile grasses of the west following herds of buffalo, you carry on a proud tradition!

We eventually reached an area where the forest had been cleared, revealing a wooden outbuilding. It was long, and well maintained, with a small structure on the top that surrounded what looked like a bell. As we approached, I saw a deadmen up in the belltower see us, and ring the bell twice. A door opened, and three deadmen came out. One was just like any other deadman Id seen before, but unlike the green-clad Shepherds Id been traveling with He was wearing dark brown, with a piece of white cloth wrapped around his arm. On either side of him, were two massive deadmen. Standing taller than even me, and incredibly broad. The skin of their faces looked almost stretched taut and their teeth were visible as their lips could no longer contain them. They were like Pete, the Butcher Id killed back in Potts after discovering that hed been murdering and cannibalizing other deadmen.

I held my expression in check, keeping on a neutral face as the three of them approached. It was possible theyd changed in some way differently from how Pete had. It was impossible to know how many strange variants and changes the rEvolutionary virus had caused. That possibility became less likely as I smelled them. Blood and meat, of a kind I couldnt fully distinguish. My mouth involuntarily started watering as I remembered biting into Pete.

Nate, said the one clad in brown, Youre back early. Was there an issue?

He shook his head. No issue. We managed to herd three, theyre being taken back to the gates, he gestured to me. We also found him. His name is Donovan. He claims to be from the other side of the Cut, and he agreed to come back here to Eden with us.

The man in brown stopped, and looked at me with his eyes wide. The other side of the Cut?

I nodded.

He chuckled, amused,But thats

We also watched him kill about ten of the Leaguers by himself to buy Jez time to get into cover.

That made the two massive deadmen exchange a quick glance, then start to size me up. Their purpose was immediately apparent.

Nate, you and the patrol go back and continue your work. I will take him to meet the First.

The First!? Really Joseph? asked the loudmouthed deadman.

All new arrivals of his age must go to see the First. Whether what he says is true or not, The First will be the one to make the decision on whether or not he is allowed to stay, and what is to be done with him.

The other deadman backed down and Nate rallied his men to leave. Jez gave me a small wave as they made their way back to the treeline. I didnt return it.

So, brother? asked Joseph.

Donovan, I answered, tensing at the phrase, what is to be done with him.

Well Donovan, its our duty to escort you to meet the First. Will you come with us? He gently placed his right hand on my shoulder as he spoke and I resisted slapping his hand away.

I nodded. It seemed like the quickest way to get the answers they wanted back at Potts, and to get the information I needed. Besides, I had some mail I needed to deliver.