FREE ENERGY IS OUR BIRTHRIGHT, IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE HIDDEN AWAY BY THE POWERFUL.
Forty-seven years after the Collapse, Hobart is still a city without electricity and now suffers from a deadly illness spreading throughout the land. In desperation Mayor Lily Dayton, the daughter of the now legendary Jon Dayton, sends her nephew Tom on a mission north to seek a mysterious Tower. This massive construction is rumoured to send electricity wirelessly through the air and ground and is said to be defended by beings who can throw lightning from their hands.
Tom's breathing was ragged as he abruptly handed the spyglass to Locke. He had just realised that some people are not as honourable and kind as the family and friends he was blessed to have in his life. Tom had just taken his first view of the darker side of humanity.
He watched as The Breaker's face went pale in response to what he saw through the telescope. Locke then handed the spyglass back to him. "We have orders to seek this tower," he said, looking at the house burning in the distance. "But our oaths as rangers are to protect."
He looked over at Renee and Tom. "There are twelve of them," he said.
"I'm ready," said Renee.
"Me too," Tom added.
"You are both well trained, but killing someone is another matter entirely," Locke replied.
"We have to see battle at some time in our life," Renee said logically.
"I can't walk away from this, Breaker," said Tom. "I just can't." His voice rang with determination as his big hands clenched into fists.
Locke looked at his young friends and hesitated. Lily had ordered him to find out everything he could about the tower. That was his mission and his first priority. And there was also his concern at keeping her nephew alive. He had the feeling Lily would never forgive him if the boy was killed, but what those men, or should he say animals, were doing was an abomination. They deserved to be punished.
He weighed up these thoughts ...
"Mount up," he ordered. "Place your hats in your saddle bags, as we will be riding fast at the first charge."
