Cole's beacon

  “I told the beacon where you mean to go,” Prescia said. “It will not mislead you. Trust it over your senses, or Harvan’s. Far out in the fringe, sweet music can be as dangerous as foul.”

  “How will I know where it wants me to go?” Cole asked.

  “Take it,” Prescia said, holding it out.

  Cole grabbed the lantern by the handle on top. It was lighter than he expected. The lantern did not hang straight down. It tilted, gently pulling in a certain direction.

  “Feel that?” Prescia asked.

  “Yes,” Cole said.

  “Let the beacon guide you,” Prescia said. “You won’t have to cut back across the central echolands. You’re on the proper side to continue out into the fringe. The light of the beacon will drive away dead echoes. And help conceal you from enemies. And it will maintain your energy better than food. Those who rely on tampered shaping or who embrace dark energy and music will find its purity disruptive.”

Chapter 24