The Stray
The sequel to the Snow Beyond the Wall
Summary
It is four years since the events of The Snow Beyond the Wall.
Luke and Nena have settled down in the hills as a hunter and gatherer. They are half a day's walk from Alucio. While still sometimes being subservient to him, she is gradually accepting her freedom and equality.
Susan and Emily are still at Elisal; the former is with Raf in a separate building while the latter lives with Fabra. Susan is pregnant.
Meg had been at Elisal for a while but her resistance against the Priestesses, although minor, had put the others in danger and she left, heading into the high inland area to start a rebel band, helping to free or de-program Bestia.
The capture
One day, when Luke and Nena are out, the latter is spotted by some Guardia. Luke is initially unseen by them and, when he attempts to rescue her, she drops into a sumisa position, indicating to him to remain hidden. He realises that he would only be captured as well, leaving no one to save them, and he stops while Nena is taken away.
He returns to his house. At first he considers going to Alucio but does not want to put him at risk again. The only person who could help is Meg but he does not know where she is. Consequently, he makes his way to Elisal where Meg used to live.
Elisal
When he arrives, he finds that Susan is pregnant. He asks her to help him find Meg but, although she wants to, Raf insists that she stays out of it, not wanting her even to give advice. But, when Raf is out of the room, she gives him a tip - a person or place to go.
After a few days, he leaves, heading towards the mountains. He suspects he is being followed and, after a day, Emily appears. He wants to take her back but she says that Fabra, Raf and Susan agreed that she could accompany. He suspects that this is a lie but she says that, if he returns, she will follow him again. He reluctantly agrees to let her come.