Author: Chris Lodwig

That year, the snow arrived before the professors. As far back as Reyan could remember, it had always been the other way around. The professors only came to Orloton in … Continue reading The Professors Arrive

Maik emerged midway through the explosion, just after the flash, his senses slammed beyond their limits, reeling. The whiteness precipitated into a soup of intermingling colors and smells and sounds. … Continue reading Prologue – The heart of the System

Eryn was sitting at the kitchen table. Her plate was scraped clean, and her mug of water was empty, but she’d not yet cleared them. Instead, she sat looking out … Continue reading Lem and Eryn Return to Prower

From the Compiled Journals of Partner LemDay 253, 0 NE We spent the winter at Thomas’ homestead reading the big book, looking up useful bits of knowledge as needed, or … Continue reading Lem and Eryn’s first winter

The next morning Reyan woke to the rustling-mouse sounds of Avalina preparing for work by the light of a single candle. Reyan sat up and pushed back her hair. It … Continue reading Leaving Rowe

When it was time to leave for dinner, the girls took a lantern from the stand by the front door and headed to the caravan to meet up with Kavi … Continue reading Dinner with the Keepers

Lem lay in bed next to Eryn looking up at the wooden planks and beams of the ceiling. Despite their near complete isolation, unavoidable social collapse, and uncertain future, he … Continue reading Two Memories

After the day’s sessions, Reyan was unsure of what to do with herself. Back in Orloton she might have gone to stand on the rocks and peer into the pond. … Continue reading Atop the Tower

Forward to “A System for a New Era” Paragraph 11 […] We have created this book to act as your guide. It is a book of science and stories. It … Continue reading The Professors Profess

It was still dark the next morning when Reyan felt Avalina stir. Reyan opened her eyes and sat up to find Avalina fully dressed and smoothing down the front of … Continue reading A Day in Rowe

Day 7, 0 NE Apparently, we’re supposed to write.I don’t think I’ve done this since I was a child learning the alphabet and simple sentences in grade school.I’m not used … Continue reading From the compiled journals of Partner Lem

The hardroad did not plunge directly into the heart of Rowe. Instead, it traveled, straight as an arrow along the top of the low hill that defined the town’s northern … Continue reading The Banquet in Rowe