The Toll (Arc of a Scythe, #3)

by Neal Shusterman

While we in the LoneStar region would like to remain neutral in this matter, it’s become clear to us in Texas that High Blade Goddard intends to impose his will upon all of North Merica, and perhaps the world entire. Without Grandslayers to check his ambition, we fear his influence will grow like a mortal-age cancer. As a Charter Region, we are free to do whatever we wish within our borders. We are, therefore, breaking off all contact with the MidMerican scythedom. Effective immediately, any and all MidMerican scythes found within our region shall be escorted to the nearest border and ejected. We go as far as to question Mr. Goddard’s right to be High Blade, since an edict from Endura was never publicly made before the Grandslayers perished. As a matter of policy, we do not wish to involve other regions in our decision. Others can do as they see fit. We just want to be left alone. —Official proclamation from Her Excellency, High Blade Barbara Jordan of Texas