Read Along: New Eden

'Long life to the Pathfinder!'

What was meant to be a hijack becomes an alliance as new land is explored.

'Jest this endless forest of dead red trees.'

Saba and Lugh are bickering more than ever as the journey across this new land. Meanwhile, Tommo can hear a wagon off in the distance. Maev seizes on this opportunity and plans to steal it so that the group can use it for quicker transportation. Lugh is not happy with Maev's taking over and claims that he's 'sick to death of bossy women'. When the wagon arrives it is drawn by a camel, and the group quickly hijack. The driver shows himself to be a quack in his wagon which he calls his 'Cosmic Compendalorium'. All seems to be going smoothly apart from the fact that the camel, Moses, refuses to move. They turn to the driver and have him take them as he seems to be the only one in control of the camel. Strangely enough, he too is heading for the Lost Cause.

'Feel free to call me Slim.'

In yet another ode to Steinbeck, the quack doctor is introduced as Slim. He adds more information to Saba's knowledge about the new order of Tonton. He talks of the desire the Pathfinder has to breed New Eden with a new generation, and also of the visions this leader experiences. Soon the group stops for a rest break in a clearing. 

'I would never hurt you.'

Tommo gently helps to heal Saba's bruised hand from where Lugh had earlier grabbed her, whilst Maev admits she has been trying to win back Lugh's attention. Seemingly, Auriel's note that Tommo's feelings for Saba run deep are coming to light. Maybe he now seeks to act on them with Jack out of the picture. But Slim's warnings that Tommo would be a target of the Tonton adds a sombre mood. He also hints that he might have known Tommo's parents, but this hits too close to home for Tommo, who is insistent that his pa is dead. But this doesn't ruin the mood for Lugh and Maev who share a 'longin...yearnin' for one another clear for everyone to see.

'It's a star-filled night.'

Saba dreams of Jack again, chasing him down dark corridors and through rooms. Lugh and Maev share a moment...that comes to nothing as he once again denies her. Meanwhile, as everyone sleeps, Slim has crept off and appeared back at camp with 'fresh mud' on his boots. Saba suspects foul play. 

'We head east. Always east.'

Along the way they pass yet another encampment. Yet another unfriendly one, as well might I add. A boy and girl, possibly working for the Tonton on the new land storm after the wagon as the group tries to escape. As Saba tries to kill them in order to escape she finds herself once again immobilised by memories of Epona. Luckily though, Maev steps in and takes the two homesteaders down. As they near the storm belt though, it becomes apparent that more people are around. This means that everyone has to ride in the back of the wagon for concealment. Saba stays outside with Slim to make sure he doesn't take them astray. On the way, they pass by a corpse hung up by a tree, brutally maimed by an iron spike. His name is Billy Six, killed by the Tonton for not living by their rules and an old friend of Slim's. 

'Don't say nuthin. Keep yer face hid.'

At Billy's old house, the wagon is hailed to a stop by a young girl. She wants a medicine from Slim to help her get pregnant for her partner, Eli. She also tells Saba and Slim how much trouble is going on in the area from 'vermin' - meaning rebels. It has meant that Eli has had to set up night patrols. As RiverLee and Eli try to take Hermes from the wagon, Saba distracts them and steals Eli's firestick and hits him with it. A brawl ensues. Lugh saves the day as he kills both of them.

'The Cosmic Compendalorium flies along.'

With only a few leagues left to go to the Lost Cause, Slim's pushes the wagon to hard and fast and she breaks completely. Or at least that's how it seems at first. But really, the group in the back fall into a secret bottom. Hidden in this place is a stash of weapons. It becomes clear that Slim is working for the same resistance group that Bill Six was. That or he's working for the opposite side - the Tonton.

'Somethin's on fire.'

Just as Saba goes to confront the mystery man driving them, a fire and smoke plume appears on the horizon. It's the Lost Cause and Saba is determined to go in. But as they near, 'six horsemen appear from inside the cloud' - the Tonton. Slim reveals that he knew who Saba was all along but that he's 'a friend'. One of the riders shoots him and in retaliation he has Lugh throw what essentially seem to be hand grenades at the passed riders. Slim is clearly not who everyone who expecting him to be...