Read Vigo's Lament: A Dystopian Thriller (Age of End Book 3) for Free Online Page A

Let’s not turn against each other in these difficult times. Instead, let’s take this time to heal, and help others heal.” He turned to Vince. “Vince, this burial was your idea. I think it’s only fair you get a chance to speak as well.”
    Vince raised his head, looking straight into Ella’s glare. He turned to the faces of the others, and then to the empty hole at the end. His eyes lingered on the unoccupied tomb, thinking of what to say. Finally, his head sunk and he turned to Rupert. “I have nothing to say.”
    Rupert studied his face and nodded. “Very well. Charlotte. You never had the pleasure of meeting these wonderful people, but would you like to say something?”
    “Yes, of course,” Charlotte said. “Though it’s true I never met anyone here, I know they were all good people. I have spent most of my life in the Spire. I’ve watched a lot of people. It was my job to observe people. To study their actions and relationships. Never in my entire career have I seen a group more tightly knit than yours. When I first met you, I knew you were inseparable. You are your own little community. I can imagine the rest of these people were the same way. Rupert is right. In times like these, community is the most valuable thing in the world. I am honored that you have welcomed me into yours.”
    “And we are honored to have you,” Rupert said. “Without you, we never would have escaped the Spire. You risked your life, on more than one occasion, to help us. You’ve earned your spot in our group.”
    “Thank you, Rupert.”
    “Now,” Rupert said, bending down and grabbing the plank with Carl’s name, “we should place the rest of these names. Then we can talk about what will come next.”
    They walked up the line and placed the rest of the planks. Each grave had a name. A memorial of the good people of Snow Peak. Their bodies had perished, but their names lived on. They left the extra grave at the end untouched. Rupert headed back towards the warmth of the cabin, and the others followed.
    Vince stayed behind, waving them off. “I’ll be there in a moment. I just want to do one more thing.”
    They nodded and went inside.
    Vince turned around and looked at all of the graves. His eyes followed down the line, reading each name until he reached the final unnamed tomb. He sauntered over and picked up a blank piece of wood. With his knife, he carefully carved into the surface. When he was done, he held it out at arm’s length, and then knelt down to plant it in the ground. He stood up and stared at the empty grave for a moment longer, and then turned around to join the others.
    The plank, which was lodged firmly in the ground, read Saul Shepherd .

EIGHT
    AS VINCE APPROACHED the cabin, his eye caught movement in the woods. He tilted his head and squinted to focus his sight. It was a person. Not just one, but many. Small crowds of people stumbled out of the woods and walked towards the village. Some wore labbie outfits. Long white coats with the City crest embroidered on the chest. Others wore traditional black Spire uniforms, similar to Charlotte’s.
    Vince trotted to the cabin and flung the door open. “Get out here. There are people coming.”
    They wandered out with cautious curiosity. The horde of people slowly ambled over. “Who are they?” Alan asked. There was a hint of worry hidden in his voice. “Look at what they’re wearing. Is it more of Greene’s men?”
    “You son of a bitch,” Charlotte said, laughing and jumping with joy. “Trevor? You made it out!” She jogged over.
    The man in front lifted his head and smiled at the sight of Charlotte. He started jogging as well. “Charlotte!” He met her in the middle and exchanged a warm embrace. “I can’t believe you made it out. There was a rumor going around that Greene locked you up.”
    “He did.”
    “How did you escape?”
    “Vince and Saul broke in and helped me. How did you get out?”
    “Just barely. I was in the cosmetic