I woke up cold in the wine cellar with the taste of moss in my mouth.

Found a jacket and a road. Put one on and followed the other. Numb.

Came to a hill to see the city. I don't need to check. This place, it's Moscow. Or a version of it anyway.

As if I wasn't confused enough. The sight of that skyline... it actually made me angry.

I can make due, work with what I've got. Part of my nature. But to walk for days through Lewiston, Harko, White Sulpher Springs, come around the corner and think you're finally home, and see that city instead was draining in a way I can't imagine ever explaining.

There were actually a few people, wandering the city. First I'd seen since my initiation in The Manor. They were wrong.

Didn't get too close to the city. Came upon one of them. Dressed as police officer.

In the morning light, I couldn't make it out, but there was something a little wrong with his face. And the way he stood, all hulking, too thick, shoulders hunched.

He cocked his head, in a gesture I took to be amused. Waiting to see what I'd do. Hoping I'd get close, grabbing distance.

I moved on.