The Man Who Wasn’t There – Part 1

PROLOGUE

Part 1

September, 1713

Luminous Cayce stood on the front porch of his spacious home, overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. The full moon sparkled on the water as it rolled by. Smoking his pipe, he was content. Nothing could equal the peace he felt when he communed with the water. Its power and majesty surrounded him.

A small sound behind him made him turn around. His eldest daughter, Evangeline, stood in the doorway. This was the night of her fifteenth birthday party. The guests had finally gone home and the servants bustled around cleaning up. Her father smiled, holding out his hand.

“How does it feel to be fifteen, my lass?”

“No different from fourteen, in truth. I suppose that will change.”

“No doubt.” He put his arm around her shoulders, holding her close.

She shivered in the chilly night air. Luminous removed his coat and set it around her shoulders. She thanked him with a smile.

“Mother is asking for you. She’s feeling ill.”

“Liza will see to her.”

“She’s asking for you,” his daughter’s voice held reprimand. “You need to see to her, Father.”

He kissed her brow. “As you wish, child. Do not be out long.”

“Not long, I promise. The water is so lovely, is it not? And the scents of fall in the breeze.”

Luminous smiled. “Yes, Daughter. Tomorrow, we shall have a talk.”

She nodded, turning back to the river as he walked inside.

November, 2013

Brian Casey has a problem—several, actually. As if being a super smart, self-proclaimed social pariah weren’t enough, he recently found out that he’s descended from an ancient line of Druids. In each generation, children are born with certain gifts. For his family and generation, he is the one. Brian was surprised to find out that several of his close friends also have these gifts. It was a shock to each of them, to find out that they wield unique, magical talents. Reaching majority at the age of fifteen, these chosen few become the keepers of the balance between good and evil. None of his contemporaries were prepared for the challenges they faced—fighting a legendary evil, Deidrich. Mr. D, as they call him, is so powerful, those who know about him don’t ever mention him by name.

After their epic battle with Deidrich, where Brian was very nearly killed, the chosen ones of the new generation, determined to hone their skills. When Deidrich returns, they intend to be ready.

December of 2012 was touted by some as being the end of the world. What Brian, Jordan and their friends discover is that it’s not the end, but a beginning. A whole new magical world, full of surprises, some of them good, some deadly, await them.

Being descended from Druids isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It means long hours learning the uses of herbs, the properties of stones and metals. It’s time spent practicing control of the elements. Some can call flames, others manipulate the earth, still others summon wind or water to do their bidding.

Brian has found out that in addition to his other abilities with the four elements, he is the Dreamer, a prophet who learns the future in his dreams. He’s also been told that Jordan, his good friend, is his intended wife. In fact, each of the eight has their counterpart in another member of the chosen.

Of all the things he’s learned about himself, Brian finds this the most difficult to get his mind around. He always thought when he met the right woman, he’d fall in love and marry her. Instead, he’s been told that his future is mapped out and nothing will change it. Not that he doesn’t care about Jordan, he does. He just would have liked a choice.

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani’s Books