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"Whole world is full of the dead Nobody, living or dead, ain’t getting no peace," Rune answered

A boy in his teens entered the dining roo about the boypremonition hit hiotta take care of hirinned He folded his big arms over his wide chest "All creepy and mysterious That’s Rune"

"I’," Maddie said, laying her delicate hand on Rune’s arer and Rune covered it gently with his hand He could feel the energy in it and he s my own set when I was three Got a bunch of rocks fro to draw on theot old Nordic blood in our veins"

Rune looked around the dining roo it and pushing away the presence of the dead It felt fantastic

Maddie peered up at hio, Rune Everyone deserves a little rest"

Rune nodded and looked at Dale "Maybe we can rustle up a bike for you so"

"You have no idea how happy that wouldtrays heaped with steaave Dale a flirtatious sers Dale waved back

"That boy is so sweet on you," Maddie teased

"Yeah, but I’ruy," Maddie told hied "She ain’t ot that vibe"

"Oh, yeah She does That hellcat vibe" Dale grinned even hed "Oh, boys"

An older, black gentle rooht’s dinner, I would like to say grace and thank God for the blessings we have received We have new people a us and a bounty of new supplies in our storeroom I would also like to commend the soul of our brother, Bob, into the hands of God

He lost his life yesterday and was laid to rest today with the others who died trying to make it to the fort Let us thank God for our lives and our safe home"

There was a round of amens, and then the Reverend pitched into a prayer that boo at the tips of his motorcycle boots They were pretty battered and probably needed new soles He listened to the prayer in silence, taking peeks around the room as it continued He saw the pretty woe boy as the Gers Behind her, the tall Mexican in the cowboy hat had his eyes closed, his arm around an older Hispanic wonant ere last in line They were hugging each other, her head on his chest, and they looked so happy it made Rune’s heart twist in his chest

The co He yearned to be a part of it But he kneould only last so long before he would have to move on It was moments like these that reminded him that he was not a lone survivor and that there was a bit of hope left in the world

"Amen!" the voices chorused around hihter filled the rooer would be a good thing

Chapter 5

1 Making the New Eden

Travis yawned as he joined the rest of the fort council on top of the hotel for a planning ht, dropping te any dreaded ice, rain or snow It would probably warm up by ten o’clock He shoved his hands into his leather coat to keep them warm The as fierce and blew his curls into disarray Behind him, Juan cursed as he held his cowboy hat down on his head

"Fuckin’ Texas weather," Juan grurinned

"I just love how it teases us with the pro our enjoyineer, said in a disgruntled tone

"Men You’re so cranky," Nerit chided the her sniper rifle over one shoulder and headed over to where Peggy and Bill sat waiting for them