The funerals for both Jack and Grant had been hurried for fear the bodies would decompose and more troops would come through. All heaved a sigh of relief when the paper in Beltran printed the news that a truce was declared and all three combatants were negotiating an end to warfare. The lands of Black Resin would become part of Mecham and Greenland would remain intact.
Teacher had read his prediction of the coming Star Shift at the Way Meeting. It had been thought it would be ill attended because of the upheavals and fighting in the land. Instead, it was as though twice as many had sought out the comfort of being together in the Kirche and hearing the Teacher and his comforting Way Readings. All were stunned at what they heard. Had not the Star Shifts ended?
* * *
Two weeks later the Te
