WRITING
If you’ve ever wanted to get to know someone really well, get them to tell you a story. What we hide - even from ourselves - is readily apparent when reflected in abstract.
“Who are you?” I whispered into the darkness, quiet enough that there was little echo down the long hallway.
Laughter was my answer. That same, deep chuckle that was felt more than heard. I am that which sleeps beyond the light, it told me, that which is made of lies and deceit and will change the world.
“But I made you up,” I told the voice.
Yes, it agreed, you made me.
A thousand years ago, a shadow fell across the world, killing the gods and poisoning the sun.
The Cities of Wisdom survive only through submission to the Mazdas, vestigial priests of the ancient pantheon. Venerating the dead gods, and the clergy who keep their memory alive, is the only way to keep the Shadow at bay. To question this is heresy, the punishment is death.
The Herald says otherwise. Emerging from obscurity, he claims there is a new goddess sleeping at the edges of reality. If she can be awoken, then the Shadow will be destroyed and the world remade into a paradise.
But his vision of a better world must overcome the remnants of the old one. For some, it is a great dream that his followers will bring about at any cost. To others, it is a vile heresy that must be expunged. And to those caught in the middle, it is a growing nightmare they may not awaken from.
THE GOOD DOCTOR OF XEDILLIAN
A short story, set in the distant future and a far-away star system. One scientist’s pursuit of perfection leads him to unconventional treatment of his patients.
TALES FROM DIAMOND VALLEY
A collection of short stories about time spent in Turner Valley/Black Diamond with friends. An idyllic place that had the opportunity to merge their names into Black Turner, but went with Diamond Valley instead.
