“My father has passed away for twenty years.”

Samuel's expression has changed.

"No."

Another impossible silence.

Elias has approached.

“What did you say?”

“Thomas Vance is alive.”

— —

PART 6 — THE MAN IN THE MOUNTAIN

Samuel led them under the church through tunnels older than the city.

Silver tunnels.

The founders had sealed them decades ago.

Or they claimed they did.

Two miles under the mountain, they ended up in an underground room.

The lanterns were burning.

Men and women were waiting there.

The families that Elias recognized.

The people of Mercy Ridge.

The Merchants.

Farmers.

Widows.

Workers.

People he had assumed loyal to Silas.

They weren't.

They were waiting.

At the far end there was an old man.

Tall, despite his age.

White beard.

A blurred eye.

Elias has stopped.

The man whispered:

"Son."

Elias couldn't move.

Thomas Vance got close to him.

“You are dead.”

"Almost."

“You have left me.”