Early Works - Secrets of Darkness

Art by: blackxblack

If you remember from a few weeks ago, I mentioned Ace and my first story in the Secrets of Darkness series, Where Will You Go. Actively I am working on that story and doing edits to make it ready for publication. (I already have an amazing cover I am dying to show you all). With that said, Where Will You Go and the other books in the Secrets of Darkness series have gone through several revisits and editing in the last 10 years. So, what did it look like before what it is now? Well... let me give you a little sneak peak!

Eyes of the Caged (First Draft: 11-19-08) Chapter One -

            The darkened alley would slow down most people, with the thought that someone might sneak up behind them and strike. This particular alley was lacking any light to aid you or a soul to be seen that would grant help, as it had long ago been abandoned by those who might have passed through; left in favor of longer, but safer passageways. Yet here was a man in a cloak, striding through the shadows that appeared to be reaching out to grab him, without even a hint of worry toward his surroundings— he had only one fear on his mind, and it wouldn’t be looking for him in an alley. Besides, there were other things to focus on tonight. The man was in a hurry; he had to reach the house before someone noticed he was missing.

The hooded figure of a man finally reached his destination after the long nights march. He stopped by a pitch-black door that seemed to fade into the shadow of the dark stone building that offered a slim glimmer of protection in his world of shadows and secrets. The man knocked once before hurrying inside where the small, weather beaten woman looked up as he walked in.

 “The baby isn’t coming fast enough, Sage. She needs to see a healer to make sure everything is alright.”

            “We can’t risk it, Miranda.” Sage replied, shaking his head. “Do what you can.”

He then hurried into a room on the west side of the small dark, stone house, where a pregnant woman lay on the bed. Sweat was pouring down her face, making her blond hair stick to her forehead. Her blue eyes were filled with worry. She turned them to the man and a smile lit up her face.

            “You came.” She reached a shaking hand out to him.

            “I told you I would.” He shoved the hood off his head and took the few steps to reach her side. “How are you?”

            “The baby isn’t coming out.” The woman shuddered and screamed as another contraction hit her. The man took her hand and held it to his heart.

            “Breath, Just breath,” he kissed her hand. His eyes lifted as Miranda hurried back into the room. Miranda had been helping with the pregnancy since the start. She was the only one that Sage trusted this with. Miranda had been a mid-wife for thirty years before she finally retired. She has the one who helped deliver Sage when he was born.  

            “This isn’t going to work, they will both die.” Her eyes darted to the labored woman, “They will be coming after you soon. The baby isn’t coming fast enough. She needs more help than I can give her.”

            “We can’t trust the he…” Sage was cut off by another scream from the woman.

            “It’s coming!” She screamed again. Miranda hurried over and checked the woman with a sharp gasp.

            “I see the head. The next one, push, this is it.” Miranda looked at Sage. Sage kept his grip on the woman ready for the hardest part.

            The woman screamed as she pushed with all her might. Baby cries filled the room moments later.

            “It’s a girl!” Miranda grabbed a blanket and wrapped the baby in it. She cut the cord and held her out to the mother. The mother looked down at the baby.

            “My little girl,” she kissed the child on the cheek. “My little Andawyne” She looked up at Sage.

            “She’s beautiful, just like her mother.” A teen girl ran into the room.

            “They are coming, sir… they are coming.” She franticly looked around the room. “We will all be killed!!” Sage looked down at Miranda with panicked eyes.

            “She can not be moved.” Miranda sadly shook her head, “I will stay.”

            Sage gently took the baby from the mother’s arms and held her out to the teen girl. “Take her, Andawyne, my daughter. Take her and leave this place at once. Do not let them see you or her. Find a place where she can live and be happy, where she can grow up far from this place.” The girl carefully took the baby her eyes darting to the mother.           Tears ran down the mother’s face as she watched her daughter be taken from her. “Keep her safe.” She said softly. The girl bowed before turning and running from the room. Sage turned back to face Miranda.

            “We will face this together. And if we die, we die knowing our daughter is safe from harm.”

            A loud crash came from the living room as the door is kicked in. Seven men run into the bedroom, guns drawn. “Nobody move!” One of the men moved forward to stand in front of the rest. His eyes darted to Miranda and mother before resting on Sage. “Where is the child?”

            “Safe, where you will never find,” He moved forward to face the man.

            “Your cousin will hear of this,” he turned to the group, “Take them to the palace. The King will want to see them.”

This of course is an OLD draft, since it has been updated many of times. :) This is the last in the Secrets of Darkness series, the first - Where Will You Go - will be released next year (is the goal). With the second and third to follow after. :) Stay tune for more updates.