Chapter 1

Jack Sawyer stands on his balcony in Dezi, Mejis, reflecting on his past—once a boy traveler between worlds, later a man shot in Wisconsin and miraculously healed in Mid-World. He can only visit America briefly without his old wounds flaring. He cares for Dezi’s poor with Sophie Sawyer, and dreads another necessary trip across.

Jack meets Sophie, who senses he must leave soon and asks if the Pernil jump remains easier. He plans to see his remaining friend, Sheriff Dale Gilbertson, and to acquire Coca-Cola and rare crime paperbacks for Governor Edward Youngblood, the Big Kahuna who hoards America-side novelties and controls Dezi through wealth and a guarded door between worlds.

At Rosewood Hall, Payton Orville warms up the BK with gag props, but Youngblood’s humor turns cruel. He demands more “dragon’s blood” (Coke) and a signed Dan J. Marlowe novel, promising leniency toward Jack’s struggling expat cohort. Youngblood then orders Jack, after flipping to America, to gather rumors in Revin/Reevin near the Blasted Lands about a “Great Gorge,” a growing threat noted by advisor Ayden Hestin. Jack is told to take Payton as an object lesson; Payton will wait in Pernil while Jack flips.

In Below-Town, Jack finds Payton with Mary Klee, a faded psychic once favored then discarded by Youngblood. Jack compels both to accompany him to Pernil, reasoning it may keep them out of Youngblood’s sight and potential punishment. They accept, buoyed by small treats and wary of Youngblood’s caprice.

Back home, Jack tells Sophie he departs at nine with Payton and Mary. On the balcony, he silently affirms why he endures the BK’s errands: love for Sophie. The scene closes with the shattering reveal that Sophie is long dead—her presence a treasured illusion—and Jack holds to that comfort despite her decade in the grave.