"Did you hear? They caught the grand inquizitor! He's in the north tower." Melva listened to the idle gossip drone as she washed. The wars of wizards were not her problem, and the collage was making enemies fast. The sky rumbled again as clouds swirled above. "Damed wizards - what are they up to now!" Someone muttered. Above, the sky crackled with electricity. Bells started ringing across the city, and Melva threw down the laundry into the bin in disgust. It better be a real emergency this time.

It is spring. My father has gifted myself and Abadon this tract of land - it is a rocky hill, but I yet see purpose. Grass and weeds grow, so one day soon will crops. The goats have already quick work of the blackthorn, and with some toil, we will move the rocks and plow the fields. Our house is complete, as it is. We will fill the little we have with life and make this place home.