A collection of stories that span the time when humans live in a world without hunger, disease, or death and Scythes act as the living instruments of population control. Centuries passed between the Thunderhead cradling humanity and Scythe Goddard trying to turn it upside down. For years humans lived in a world without hunger, disease, or death, with Scythes as the living instruments of population control. These stories travel the timeline as the Arc of a Scythe goes on-- meeting new heroes, new foes, and some figures in-between. -- adapted from jacket

Sequel to: The toll.

The first swing -- Formidable -- Never work with animals -- A death of many colors - Unsavory Row -- A Martian minute -- The mortal canvas -- Cirri -- Anastasia's shadow -- The persistence of memory -- Meet cute and die -- Perchance to glean -- A dark curtain rises.