Spun Sugar and Bootblack
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Both men were shocked to hear the numbers that Godwyn had suggested. Branan in particular was alarmed. He had been led to believe that only a small count of Teriz remained. The news of hidden colonies further alarmed him, and he wondered if 'Her Majesty' had been apprised of the situation. He began to question the reliability of what the Queen's liason had told him. Perhaps he was only one of several agents working to eradicate the scourge. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that this must be the case. He had quite frankly been surprised and flattered when he was chosen over Lord Pengrove to manage the operation. It all began to make sense to Stoke. Pengrove had been chosen for a similar if not more important task elsewhere. His old classmate Griffin was probably involved as well, and none aware of the other's part. 'This was a growing practice within the royalty, I shouldn't be surprised ' he thought. Espionage was nothing new to the ruling classes. Walsingham was an example during the time of Elizabeth. Spies had only become craftier and more efficient since then. Ronan, who had not found Stoke at the grocer's , made his way to the Alehouse finding his companions deep in discussion with a tall stranger. “This is Ronan Macleary”said Caymus “my brother.” “Mr. Blunt here, has told us an intriguing tale, and swears allegiance to our cause.” Being familiar with Caymus's manner of speaking,Ronan knew that no oath had been sworn, and that Cay was pressing for assurances in his own way. “Godwyn Blunt” said the large man shaking Ronan's hand firmly. “I am pleased to assist in any capacity” he added for the sake of the bowman. Although Ronan, tended to be more trusting than Caymus he decided to mention the matter of the tunnel when and if it was brought up. Stoke did not ask immediately, and relayed all that Blunt had told them, practically in one breath for the sake of expediency, as he judged by Ronan's demeanor that something of note had been discovered underground. “This is alarming news!” said the blacksmith. “The tunnel” he began, pausing to read the mood. “Yes. Go on” Stoke encouraged.
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About the Book
It is 1864 when a lost stepbrother returns to a remote Scottish village with the ominous warning, “They dwell beneath the ground.” Queen Victoria, who is personally aware of the threat, has sent an agent to investigate reports of cannibalism. Beneath the tiny village dwells a vile tribe of creatures who feed on both the dead and living and who are running out of space. The Teriz are ready to emerge from the darkness, leaving the villagers with two options—to flee or defend. Even after learning more about the tribe’s evil leader, the villagers determine they can defeat him and begin developing a plan of defense. Meanwhile, feisty young villager Tamlyn Macleary is soon caught up in the bedlam. After he travels into the woods one afternoon, he and his companions stumble upon an empty wagon that once held twelve Frenchmen—who have now vanished completely. The villagers suspect the worst—the Frenchmen have been taken underground. As Tamlyn and his family attempt to fend off the unspeakable horror that haunts the Scottish moors and threatens to topple the British Monarchy from within, they soon discover that nothing is ever what it appears to be—especially at first glance.
About the Author
Christoph James was born in Canada. An avid photographer, painter, and the father of two, he now enjoys a solitary life on the Canada’s West Coast. This is his first novel.