The darkness and refreshingly cool temperature in Angel Cave was a welcome respite from the intense heat outside. Summer came early to Zion this year and with it followed the painfully rising temperatures during the days, something that didn't bother Joshua in the past… but that was another lifetime ago when he had skin that wasn't warped and damaged by the flames Caesar bathed him in.

With the situation with the White Legs coming to a head, Joshua had moved to the Dead Horses camp to help co-ordinate and train the tribals in preparation for what was to come. Joshua trained the tribes people how to use ranged weapons while Aelius trained them in the art of hand to hand combat. It was a little over a month ago when Joshua decided to move to the Dead Horses, leaving Mary and the rest of his family to stay with the Sorrows further North. Despite missing Mary and the rest of his family deeply, he knew it was safer for them to be there than at the Dead Horses camp where they were so close to the enemy. Although Mary was with the Sorrows, she had made sure before he left that he would have a good supply of fresh sets of bandages to cover his skin over a herbal poultice that helped keep his skin cool and clean. Most days he'd be diligent about changing his bandages for new ones, but there were times when he'd go several days without changing them – this was one of those occasions. Recently returning from another scouting mission to observe White Leg activity and sabotage the enemy's efforts of pushing through their defences, Joshua and Aelius were back in the camp and getting ready for another push in the early morning.

"Those defences won't keep the White Legs at bay for more than a day or so", Aelius commented as they entered Joshua's cave, "I'm going to check them before end of day. Don't want any unwanted surprises in the middle of the night".

"Agreed", Joshua commented, taking a seat at his table and getting to work on the pistols that were waiting to be maintained, "Keep me appraised of any movements".

Aelius nodded and left Joshua to tend to his tasks in peace.

After two days out in the field, Joshua finally had some time to himself; his tense body relaxed as he settled in his task, but it wasn't long before Follows Chalk rushed inside to inform him of a traveller he'd found at the ravine.

"Very well, let them in", Joshua exhaled, his attention unwavering from his task at hand. Respite was brief and rare in these uncertain times, and with their new arrival he was sure to get even less of it.

The journey to the Dead Horses camp was surprisingly uneventful for Six, and she was grateful for having Follows-Chalk's to help guide her through Zion. In the short time she'd spent with her new companion she'd learned a great deal, but she was anticipating her first encounter with Joshua Graham with some apprehension. This was Caesar's Malpais Legate, now known as the Burned Man, and as soon as she walked through the entrance of Angel Cave she felt her stomach in her throat.

Ushered inside by Follows-Chalk, she walked through the first chamber that was brightly lit with torches and was approached by a Dead Horses tribeswoman.

"Hoi! Owslandr zookuh Joshua Graham?"

"I'm sorry, I don't understand you", Six replied, startled.

"Show respect, owslandr! Joshua Graham greatest warchief!", she warned Six, who could only nod and keep her head down in response. She was directed North West to another passageway enough for two people to walk side by side when she came to another open chamber and sure enough there was Joshua Graham – seated at a table, surrounded with painted Brahmin skulls, reloading and maintaining a stack of pistols. He was covered in bandages, but he was still very much alive and kicking.

"We should have given you a better welcome on your first visit to Zion, but from what I hear, the White Legs beat us to it", Joshua's gruff voice greeted her as she approached, taking off her Stetson hat in respect, "White Legs seem to be the only visitors we have these days, and I wouldn't have expected anyone from the Mojave to come looking for us. And you're a Courier, no less. Not the one I was expecting, but I suppose he wouldn't have come with a caravan".

His words took her by surprise.

"I don't know if you were close to the other members of your group, but you have my sympathy. I pray for the safety of all good people who come to Zion, even Gentiles, but we can't expect God to do all the work".

"Pray? God? What are you talking about?" was all Six could muster after Joshua's greeting.

"I am a New Canaanite. We believe we are the heirs of a spiritual tradition given to our ancestors thousands of years ago. We have made and kept covenants with our Lord, God, to honor his laws. In exchange, we are promised eternal salvation after this life. A day will come when our Lord returns to judge us all. Until then, we must honor his laws and start others along the path of salvation if we can. That's why we trade with others and work the tribes. We have more than food and medicine to offer. Good news is our most valuable commodity".

"Sounds like a good deal", Six answered, wanting to be respectful even though the sceptic side of her mind wanted to argue and debate the topic with him; but that would have to wait for another time.

"In a world filled with misery and uncertainty, it is a great comfort to know that, in the end, there is light in the darkness. Every day, we move closer to our judgement. We must do our best to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and teach others how to do the same. For many of us, the road is a difficult one, but the path is always there for us to follow, no matter how many times we may fall".

Six was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with Joshua's words, "Do you ever 'fall'?"

"Every day. Some days are…harder than others".

"How do you know so much about me and my caravan?"

"The Dead Horses are capable scouts. Nothing passes into or out of Zion without my hearing of it".

"I came here with the Happy Trails Caravan Company to make contact with the New Canaanites".

"Happy Trails. I remember. They were good friends. I have bad news for your employers. New Canaan was destroyed, its citizens scattered. All because of the White Legs. And Caesar, of course", Joshua answered, the bitterness in his tone almost palpable, "The White Legs want to join the Legion. Caesar's rite of passage is the destruction of the New Canaanites, almost assuredly because of me. The good news is that we can help you find your way back. Daniel, one of the other New Canaanites, has made many maps of the region. The bad news is that we can't help you right now. Not with everything that's going on".

Six exhaled in frustration, "Alright, if you can't help me…then how do I get out of here?"

"Even though you made your way in, there's no easy way back. Without a map, you'll die in the wilderness. Daniel, one of our missionaries, can help you, but you've caught us at an…inconvenient time. We're under continual threat from the White Legs".

Six could see where this was leading, "Well, I'm not going to leave without offering to help. What can I do?" she asked. Since she was already here in Zion, she thought she might as well make herself useful. The sooner she helped these people deal with the White Legs, the sooner she could get out of here.

"You're a good neighbour to us. We all go through periods of darkness. In such times, we can turn to the Lord, but it's good to have friends. Daniel and I need Pre-War tools to help us navigate beyond Zion. Should we need to evacuate, these instruments will be vital to us. Normally, we would have some of the Dead Horses or Sorrows look for them, but many Pre-War buildings in the valley are taboo. They won't go inside".

'If I only have to go out and gather some tools for them, then why not', Six thought to herself, but her gut was telling her this assignment was bound to come with added problems.

"Taboo? What do you mean?"

"The Sorrows believe in a spirit that lives in the caves, say the spirit punished them once for trespassing. They put special marks around the cave entrances to keep people out. It doesn't work on the White Legs, of course, but the Dead Horses are spooked".

"Couldn't you or Daniel go and get the items?"

"We are responsible for leading and protecting the Sorrows and Dead Horses. They are smart people, but not as wordly as you or I. I am preparing the Dead Horses for war and Daniel is preparing the Sorrows for… other things", Joshua exhaled. Six was beginning to see their situation a bit better and realised that they must be short of hands.

"Alright, what do you need me to get?" she agreed with a curt nod.

"Thank you. Follows-Chalk can help you find your way around the valley. He's inexperienced, but he knows enough of our language to ignore the taboos about Pre-War buildings", Joshua answered, "I know that your journey hasn't been easy, so I would advise you get some rest before setting off to the Sorrows camp. Aelius, one of the other members of our camp, is nearby. He is due to leave for the Sorrows camp come evening. It would be good for you to have a third pair of sharp eyes accompany you on your trek".

"Aelius?" Six raised an eyebrow, "That's a Legionary name…"

"It is. He was a Prime Legionary in Caesar's ranks, but that is in his past. I'm certain he would be more than willing to recount his adventures, if you are curious to know them", Joshua answered, his focus drifting back to his tasks.

Six knew to take the hint and left Joshua to his diligent work, even though she felt she was leaving the Angel cave with more questions than answers. She didn't know what felt worse – the futility of her trip to Zion and the unnecessary loss of life, or the fact that she'd now also been roped into a scavenging hunt for a people she knew little about. Either way, she was armed with a list of items to procure for Joshua and his people, and the rough whereabouts of the items. Judging by how randomly dispersed the items were on her map, it would take her a couple of days to collect them all.

'Well if we're going to stay here a while, may as well get to know everyone', she thought to herself, trudging out of the pleasant shade of the cave and into the blaring heat outside.

Another nagging point that wouldn't leave her thoughts were Joshua's words: "And you're a Courier, no less. Not the one I was expecting, but I suppose he wouldn't have come with a caravan". What other Courier could he have been expecting in this remote location? Six couldn't help but wonder whether this was the same courier who declined taking Mr. House's job; there was certainly something about his tone that insinuated he was referring to the same individual, but with her exhaustion and being overwhelmed with all the information she was receiving in one long day she simply didn't get a chance to absorb Joshua's words in the moment. It was of no consequence for now, but she made a mental note to bring the matter up at a more opportune time – for now she had a lot on her plate to deal with, with her first task being a trip to the Sorrows camp to meet with Daniel and the tribe therebefore the end of the day.

Aelius kept a wary eye on the newcomer since seeing her come out of Angel Cave. Word around camp was that she was a Courier, and Aelius knew that could mean trouble. Though seemingly innocuous to others, Couriers were usually spies for the Legion; Aelius wondered what a woman Courier could be doing around these parts…it wasn't like Caesar to task women with that title, though he'd been out of the Legion for several months now and things could have changed.

'He must be desperate. Either that, or she really is just a courier', Aelius thought. He knew Joshua could handle himself in a fight, but he wasn't about to relax his guard…not until he found out the real reason why this courier was here. The evening gave him a perfect opportunity to do just that when the courier approached him as he was getting ready to set out for the Sorrows camp to see Ash and Gael again.

"Evenin'", she gave him a curt nod and friendly smile, to which he ignored, "I was told you'd be setting out for the Sorrows today. Mind if I tag along?"

Aelius eyed her up curiously, and after a moment's consideration gave a curt shake of his head.

"Great! When are we going?"

"Now", Aelius answered flatly, swinging his supply pack over his shoulder.

"Oh, great!" she answered enthusiastically and motioned to Follows-Chalk, who was ready and waiting for their journey.

Aelius took the lead while the courier and Follows-Chalk kept two to three paces behind him, chatting away much to his annoyance. Still, it intrigued him that for someone who had been through several close calls in one day, losing the entire Caravan team that she had spent weeks possibly months travelling with, and finding out that she was stuck here unless she could help Daniel and Joshua procure several vital items they needed, she seemed to be in good spirits and kept up with his fast pace.

Two hours into their trek he could see the Courier was reaching exhaustion and decided to stop in a safe and secluded spot by a shallow running stream and under the shade of a small tree for her to catch her breath.

"Why're we stopping?" she panted, gazing up at him with her brow furrowed in confusion.

"To rest", Aelius answered bluntly, amused that she would ask given that she dripping sweat from her brow.

"I don't need to stop", she waved his answer away and insisted they carry on.

"Yes, you do", Aelius stood his ground, folding his arms in front of his wide chest as his gaze scrutinised her, "Your breathing alone will alert predators or enemies to our position. Sit down and take a rest. We won't be long".

"Fine", Six answered in exasperation, taking a spot on the ground, and reclining her weary back onto a smooth rock behind her. She eyed him up warily as he took their waterskins and went down to the stream to refill them. When he came back and sat opposite her, handing her a full waterskin to drink from, she decided it was time to speak her mind and get some answers.

"You don't like me, do you?"

"I don't trust you", Aelius answered, taking a drink from his own waterskin.

"Same thing", her answer was met with a perfunctory scoff from him, "I get it. I'm the new person around here and, if I was in your position, I wouldn't expect to 'trust' me so easily…but believe me when I say that I am not here to cause trouble. I just wanna find a way to get out of here; soon as I do that, I'll be out of your hair and you won't have to worry about me anymore".

"I'm not worried about you", Aelius shot her a knowing glance, "I'm worried about what you might bring with you".

Six shook her head and chuckled awkwardly, not understanding his reaction, "I dunno what you mean".

"You're a Courier. The Legion employs Couriers as spies…so, it's quite fortuitous that you should happen to stumble into Zion and find Joshua Graham, don't you agree?", he gave her a critical look.

"You seriously think I would work for Caesar?" Six chuckled, more in disbelief than amusement, "I'm surprised that you, a former Legionary, would suggest that, seeing as women in the Legion are considered nothing more than pack brahmin and breeding machines".

He didn't answer, didn't even look in her direction, simply sat there in silence making Six feel awkward.

"What if I told you the Legion was defeated, and Caesar's dead?"

"I wouldn't believe you", he shook his head, "Not without proof".

"Well, I got no physical proof of his death, but I was there when the Legion tried to take the Dam a second time", Six answered, feeling for an opening that might give her more dialogue with him, "Even got to converse with Legate Lanius… managed to get him to stand down and retreat his forces, though whenever I try to recollect what I said in that moment I always draw a blank". But Aelius didn't react to anything she said, as if he didn't seem interested.

"So… how'd you get out?"

"What?"

"How did you escape the Legion?", Six repeated her question, "I've never come across Legionary dissidents before… Did you do something that could have gotten you crucified? Disobeyed orders? Realised you might be on the losing team and decided to switch?"

Her words seemed to have an effect, though the opposite one that she was expecting.

"Break's over", he stated flatly, getting back onto his feet and hoisting his pack over his shoulder.

Follows-Chalk and Six quickly scrambled to their feet as Aelius carried on North at a faster pace than before they stopped.

"I seem to have hit a nerve", Six commented under her breath to Follows-Chalk.

"Do not worry", Follows-Chalk reassured her, "He does not take this matter personally…"

"I know...and I know that for everyone here in Zion I'm just a visitor passing through", Six answered with a forced smile in an attempt to show she wasn't insulted by Aelius brushing her off so rudely, "But I was hoping to get to know people better. I suppose if he wants to remain a mystery, then that's fine with me".

Follows-Chalk gave her a nod and a friendly smile as they proceeded to follow Aelius north to the Sorrows camp. Six couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into…though on the brighter side, at least there was no Legion here to worry about.

After another hour's trek through the beautiful and lush Zion valley, Six finally arrived at the Sorrows camp. Nestled just North of the Caterpillar's Mound, the group had to wade through a shallow stream to reach the narrow entrance to the camp. It was a beautiful area and secure by the looks of the high rocky cliffs that surrounded the camp.

"The Narrows up ahead, that's the Sorrows' territory", Follows-Chalk explained, "They're peaceful enough, but you don't want to make them mad".

Six followed the men through the Narrows until the ravine widened and revealed the home of the Sorrows. Six could see tents, shacks and bridges above her criss-crossing the river and connecting the shacks to each other. They were greeted warmly by the tribes people, who wore distinctly different garments compared to the Dead Horses and had more elaborate tattoos that covered most of their bodies. While Follows-Chalk went to help himself to some freshly cooked food in the centre of the camp, Six was approached by an attractive tribe woman with a halo of long feathers behind her head.

"Courier, this is Waking Cloud", Aelius introduced Six to the woman and stood aside while they made their introductions.

"You are the one Joshua Graham sent to us. Blessings of the Father in the Cave on you – Daniel is waiting for you", Waking Cloud greeted Six with warmth and appreciation.

"Oh, thank you", Six answered, "Looks like news travels fast around here. Say, I don't know much about Daniel, could you give me some more information on him?"

"Daniel is a wise man, and a great friend to the Sorrows. He taught me to speak the language of New Canaan – the English from the holy books".

"Holy books?", Six asked quizzically.

"Yes – the language of the New Canaanites is the holy tongue, for it is the language their sacred books are written in. The Father in the Caves brought it to them after the Judgement, but the ancestors of the Sorrows sinned against Him. They were denied the true tongue."

"Uhh…okay… I'm confused. I thought you people didn't believe in the god of the New Canaanites and instead believed in someone called the Father in the Cave? Who…or what, is your Father in the Cave?"

"Have you not heard of the god of the New Canaanites? He is our protector and our judge. He helped our ancestors find their place here in Zion. He gave us many gifts, but we are not to seek him out. His caves are forbidden to us. Those who seek them out are taken from us".

"Wait-wait…that doesn't sound like the religion I've heard about the New Canaanites…"

"Perhaps you do not fully understand the New Canaanites. I have seen the Father's images. His holy bride and holy son were given unto the world to save it. They dwelt in the caverns of the mountains, caverns which can still be seen today. The people sinned against Him, and were punished with the End That Came in Fire and the loss of the holy tongue. Only the New Canaanites were spared".

"Oh, alright I see", Six answered, realising that the Sorrows were re-interpreting their faith through the faith of the New Canaanites. What the New Canaanites taught the Sorrows about their God, the Sorrows saw that God as their Father in the Caves, "That's fascinating".

"I'm sure Daniel could tell you more. His knowledge of the Father is greater than my own", the tribal woman added.

"Tell me a little bit more about your tribe".

"We have dwelt in the Narrows since the End That Came In Fire, when the Father in the Caves punished the world and made us forget the holy tongue. We have had good relations with the other tribes in the valley. At least, before Salt-Upon-Wounds brought his White Legs here. We have Daniel to thank for our continued existence. His advice and help has kept the White Legs from overrunning us so far. I do not how long even he can protect us, though".

"What do you know about Salt-Upon-Wounds?"

"He is war chief of the White Legs, and the worst butcher of them all. The tribes he has crushed are many. The warriors he has slain, countless".

"Thank you Waking Cloud, that's all I wanted to know for now", Six bowed her head in respect to the woman, who reciprocated her act.

"Then I will look forward to our next speaking", she finished before making her way across the river to sit with another group of tribes people at a campfire to read her scripture.

"This way", Aelius directed Six ahead, continuing to wade through the river. They walked for another several minutes and through waist deep waters that was pleasantly refreshing and revitalising after the heat of the day. Six could hear a low rumble of rushing water ahead of them that grew in intensity as they drew nearer. Rounding the corner of the ravine, the source of the roiling rumble was revealed to be a breath-taking waterfall some several hundred feet ahead of them. Though mesmerised by the sight, Six had turn her attention back to the task at hand and keep up behind Aelius – the sooner she spoke to Daniel, the sooner she could come back down and do some sightseeing.

Aelius turned right up a slope to higher ground and up into the hills. Though she was not used to traversing intense environments, Six did her best not to show her guide how out of breath she felt. Following him through a passage, they came across another Sorrows camp where they found Daniel sitting by a campfire, reading his Holy Book.

"The Dead Horses told me details about the attack on your caravan. A stranger's sympathy might not count for much, but for what it's worth, I'm sorry", he spoke earnestly, taking Six a little off her guard with his tone, "If you feel you need a friendly ear to speak to about your loss, I am always here. The Sorrows will mourn your friends, too. They mourn everyone, even the White Legs. They have sensitive souls. Innocent, if there is such a thing. In spite of what's happened, I hope that Joshua and I can help you out of here. But to be frank, we need your help, too".

"Pleasure to meet you Daniel", Six answered, still slightly breathless from her trek up the steep hill, "What do you do here?"

"I used to help the Sorrows with various medical problems and general issues they were having, but my bishop sent me here as a missionary", he answered, "We New Canaanites believe that there is a path to salvation for everyone and it's important that we set people on that path if they are willing".

"Salvation? From what, the wasteland?" Six asked, though she could tell she was about to get another sermon about religion and the power of faith and God.

"A spiritual wasteland, yes. We believe that before this life, our souls existed elsewhere. And after we die, our souls will leave this world. During our time here, we have the burden of choice. The choices we make determine where we go in the spirit world, and how we will face judgement. New Canaanites believe, as many once did, that God was made flesh here on Earth as a man names Jesus Christ. He sacrificed his life to save us. Every sin, every terrible thing that you, me, or any one of us have done for all time, was washed away by his blood. We just have to accept his love. That's why we visit the tribes, to spread the good news. For all we know, we New Canaanites may be all that remains of Christ's followers".

"Interesting", Six commented.

"Heh. That's actually a better response than I usually get from wastelanders. No offence. Tell you what. There's a lot going on right now but why don't you take this. Read it. Maybe you'll hate it. Maybe you'll be bored", he handed her a weathered dark navy hardback book, "But if you have questions, assuming we get through all this, let me know. It used to be my job to answer those questions. Maybe it will be again".

Wanting to be respectful, Six accepted Daniel's gift, even though much of what both he and Joshua spoke about seemed somewhat pointless to her. Nevertheless, she was willing to keep an open mind and give the text a read.

"Thank you, I promise to read it", Six nodded, "What does a Bishop do? Is that like your boss?"

"Yeah, Bishop Mordecai is… Sorry. Mordecai was my bishop. He was killed by White Legs during the attack on New Canaan. He was responsible for our congregation there", Daniel answered in a sombre tone, "I don't know who my next bishop will be. But that's a problem for tomorrow. There are plenty of troubles here for us today".

"What happened at New Canaan?"

"We lost it. Our community, everything. But the past is gone. We have to look forward".

"I'm sorry to hear that", Six replied, taking her Stetson hat off and holding it close to her chest, "It's hard to lose your home, the people you care about… were you close to your bishop Mordecai?"

"Look, I've got a lot to do here. My personal relationship…it's not important right now. Can't see how it concerns you, anyway", Daniel replied.

The curt response took her by surprise, especially seeing as he had offered her, a stranger, a friendly ear to listen to if she wanted to talk about the people she'd lost in the Happy Trails Caravan.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on a sensitive topic. I just wanted to extend my offer of the same sympathetic ear that you have extended to me", Six answered. Her words were successful and Six could see the initial tension in Daniel ease.

"I… appreciate your sentiment", Daniel gave her a nod and the corners of his lips turned up in a hesitant smile, "Given time, and as we get to know each other, I might take you up on that offer".

"I look forward to getting to know you and the friendly tribes here in Zion", Six smiled warmly, "And I hope that my actions will prove that I am worthy of your trust and friendship".

With their introductions out of the way and the list of items that Daniel and Joshua required marked on her Pip-Boy, Six followed Aelius back down to meet up with Follows-Chalk in the centre of the camp. It was an odd situation she found herself in, relying on strangers to help her get through her ordeal; she couldn't help but see the irony in her situation. Not long ago she had found herself in a similar situation in Goodsprings; though, at least she wasn't physically injured or had to be dug out of a fresh grave this time round.

When they arrived in the central camp and Follows-Chalk joined up with her, Aelius offered a curt farewell and went off to tend to his own matters.

"What's the deal with him?" Six motioned in Aelius's direction when she was certain he was out of earshot.

"I do not understand?" Follows-Chalk questioned. Six heaved a wearied sigh and took a seat by the main campfire to help herself to the stew slowly bubbling away in a large cauldron over the fire.

"Aelius. He seems very serious", Six commented, gulping down a mouthful of saliva as her stomach churned in anticipation of a hot cooked meal. It wasn't until she sat down and smelt food that she appreciated how exhausted and hungry she was. "Joshua mentioned that he used to be a Legionary before".

"Yes, he escaped many months ago", Follows-Chalk nodded, following her example and helping himself to the food, "He found and rescued two of Joshua's family members. They travelled many miles until they reached New Canaan…but when they arrived, they found New Canaan on fire. White Legs were attacking and Aelius helped the survivors escape".

"I see", Six commented between mouthfuls, "And…where are the rest of the New Canaanites?"

"They are around", Follows-Chalk answered vaguely, "Some are here, living with the Sorrows, others are in a safe place where they are rebuilding their community".

Six nodded and grinned – she knew she was the newcomer around these parts and, even though Follows-Chalk was young and naïve, he was still wary of divulging everything to her.

'Maybe tomorrow I'll get a chance to meet some of the other New Canaanites', she thought optimistically.

After she finished off a second helping of the stew, Follows-Chalk showed her where she could bunk in for the evening. It was an empty wooden shack built close to the edge of the running river with four straw beds, one in each corner. Though the bedding looked to be lacking at first inspection, it was surprisingly comfortable. Six kicked off her worn leather boots at the end of the bed, dropped her heavy pack by the side of her pillow and reclined back onto the soft padding. Soon as her back touched the bed, Six sighed in relief. No more running from the enemies that decimated the Happy Trails Caravan…at least until she had to set out and collect the items for Daniel.

'We can worry about that in the morning', she thought drowsily to herself, lowering her worn Stetson hat over her face and closing her weary eyes. For now all she had to think about was getting some sleep, and it was a most welcomed respite after the ordeal she'd been through.