World's End (36 page)

Eric knew that buildings and cities now were crumbled in the world he'd once thought was his home. He knew that many had died in that world, but that it didn't matter, for death was no more than a quick change of form. All would have their chance to return, if they wished – the game of existence was eternal, timeless. Perhaps they'd return to the world they'd toiled and slaved in, a world which was a prison no longer.

Now, for a time – for a long time – all aware things which came to this world would bathe in light, until all the wounds of their souls were healed, and understanding was gained. And finally, their precious knowing would be returned to that place where the first questions of existence had so long ago been asked.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

WORLD'S END

Copyright © 2011 by Will Elliott

All rights reserved.

Maps by Will Elliott

A Tor Book

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The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.

eISBN 978-1-4299-4775-6

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First published in Australia by HarperCollins

First published in Great Britain by Jo Fletcher Books, an imprint of Quercus

First U.S. Edition: March 2016