The Wandering Shadow: Prologue
#2 of The Wandering Shadow
I'll admit to some trepidation about sharing this here, but I've decided to go ahead any way and share what will be my first piece of truly original work. Now, this is just a bit of a teaser, as the prologue here is all I have written so far, but I'd still appreciate any feedback anyone cares to offer. Hope you enjoy!
It has been said that there are many versions of reality. Some are quite similar to the world we call home, differing in ways as small as the outcome of the flip of a coin. Others however, are radically different.
Take for example a world where the Industrial Revolution didn't happen-or at least not the way we remember it happening. No, it is a world where-while we powered our way toward the future with coal and steam-a discovery was made that would over shadow anything technology had to offer. Scientists researching the inner workings of the human brain unlocked the secrets of a largely unknown part of the mind that would allow one to manipulate energy. It wasn't long after that it was discovered that-with some training-most humans could learn to make use of this ability, and it was an ability that manifested itself in various forms. Some people could control the elements. Others could bend matter to their will. There were those who could learn to manipulate the minds and senses of other men. There were even whispered rumours of incredibly rare humans who could control the energies of life, death, and even the universe itself.
To simplify the ability of the masses to understand these powers, and to more easily classify such diverse possibilities, an archaic term was given to name these new found strengths: magic.
For most people, this 'magic' was a convenience; a way to make ease of everyday tasks. However, as with all great powers, some will allow their greed and desire to consume them leading them to use their power to achieve selfish and even twisted goals.
It was this immutable fact that lead to the creation of the International Office of Magic Enforcement or I.O.M.E. It was an organisation with bureaus in every major city around the world, their sole goal being to police and prevent the misuse of magic.
It is in this world, so different from ours that our story is set. It is the story of an officer of the I.O.M.E. named William Keller and how the simple, happy life he lives with his lover Jenna Mactíre is torn asunder by the interference of magic. It is a story of love, and the lengths to which two people are willing to go to preserve the love they share, even in the face of seemingly indomitable adversity...