Magic is a barrier. It protects our world from many things. Some of these things are older than Time.
There are travelers who use the Earth as a way-point in their journeys between the magical realms.
Most of these travelers are harmless enough.
Some, however, are quite deadly.
Humans are one of the last species in the realms who can channel magic naturally. They are therefore highly prized and must be kept safe. Their protection is done by ancient orders. There are gates and locks.
And in the each millennia, born among humans are “keys.”
Some keys unlock gates glowing with light. Others unlock the gates shrouded in shadows, passages of darkness.
These keys are seldom aware of their gift, and the potential they hold.
Most don’t live that long.
Unless they are kept well hidden.
—
Magic itself is neither good nor evil. Magic either shines in luminous brilliance or peers back from deep in the blackest of shadows.
Those who hold the key to using this magic are highly sought after.
Some things should be left well alone.
—
Duane was always plagued by nightmares. Visitations from the shadows. These visits, though terrifying, were the one thing that made him feel unique. Also, quite crazy. No one believed him. The people who were supposed to love him unconditionally looked at him through the eyes of strangers.
The one person who could always make him feel safe was his best friend, Ellen. That’s what made her betrayal so painful.
Review by Twinsie Kelly
I am not sure what I really thought this story was going to be about but was pleasantly surprised with the direction it went. The blurb is compelling but then you actually start reading and you are hooked. The balance of good and bad, light and dark is truly emphasized throughout the story. It is very compelling and intriguing but there were some areas where I felt a bit confused because I felt like I was missing some pieces. While things tied up nicely at the end, with quite a twist that I didn’t see coming, I wish there was more. I would love to see this world evolve because it seems there is so much more to be told. It was a great short read.
Todd has happily wandered down the path of writing for one simple reason–he has quite a few stories in his head and they need to come out (it’s getting crowded up there)! He’s also fond of pointing out that writing is cheaper than therapy and is still the single best way to exorcise the demons.
Living in Ohio and enjoying all four seasons in a single week, Todd works as a security analyst and plays with words any chance he can. During his free time you can find him swimming the sea of song, playing with sci-fi, dancing slowly with some poetry, or mixing things up a bit with some free-form ramblings of a completely random nature. As long as its telling a story, Todd’s happy.
On his Blog: www.toddskaggswrites.com
Twitter:@atskaggs71
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