This story opens in New York in December of 1755, sixty-five years after Verchiel's story ended.

***

Byrn walked toward the building. A small shed with a heavy wooden door, it hardly seemed to warrant the uniformed guard who stood outside it. But, inside, and down the stairs, was the center of immortal life in the colonies.

Byrn stopped before the door and unconsciously reached into his pocket. His fingers found the missive; official ...