Warhammer explained that the false kings who manage to escape the Rings typically opt for an easier way out, succumbing to Dreamer’s flower in Outskirts. He described it as a blue flower which, in great numbers, can sedate a monster of any size, pulling them into a sleep they cannot wake from. (explaining what I saw on the train. That monster had killed itself.)

He then became notably excited about the topic of Outskirts. He mentioned that it used to be called "Old Expanse," its own wild district with its own lawless king. Fondly referring to her as Faux, he touched the tuft of fur wrapped tightly around the neck of his object as he spoke. He described her as a long, flowing mass of fur with many piercing red eyes. When I inquired further about her, however, his expression changed to one of profound grief and sadness. He told me that if I wanted to know more about her, I would have to ask Piper.


As the sun began to set, Warhammer bid us farewell, expressing great interest in the idea that we may publish his words.

Exhausted but satisfied, I gathered most of our belongings before darkness completely enveloped us, as my night vision is quite near-sighted. A few hours later, Cattail awoke, lying on his bedroll where I had placed him. Over sandwiches – without bread, mind you, as it had been lost in the scuffle – I recounted everything to him. When he got over the loss of the bread he seemed deeply interested, quickly examining his map in comparison to our surroundings.

Almost immediately, he knew where we had ended up, and with glee, he stated that if we wished, we could simply walk east to reach Middle Ring in only a matter of hours the next morning. Afterward, we would likely be able to call a cab to head back down south to the suburbs.