The sun was slowly descending toward its nadir in the west, casting a reddish-orange hue over the sky in the City of Repose. The well-separated clouds allowed for nearly unobstructed views of the heavens.
Flocks of migratory birds followed their routes, carried by the warm currents of air. Meanwhile, in the city, people who had finished their day's work walked back to their homes—some in groups, others alone.
The news that the anomaly had been exterminated had already spread rapidly through the streets, fuelled by the checkpoint agencies. This somewhat restored peace for traders and travellers who intended to resume their journeys and leave the city.
