Content: fantasy epic

Summary:

A story of unity, friendship, and courage. Falco is an orphan of fifteen, living in a little Hut Sam made a long, long time ago, with seven other people, all poor. They live across the old bridge from Lorville, the main village of Lorale, an eastern realm of Men in Maren. But for the past years, the whole land has been cast over with shadow, unknown except for the fact that it undoubtedly comes from the northern evil realm of Shador. Word is that a fearful power is rising again, and so everyone living in Maren trembles at the thought of a disasterous future. No longer do the creatures venture out of their homes, and most races have long since hidden away. But of course, none of that mattered much to Falco and his 'family' in the past, since they had each other and were thankful enough for that. But famine has struck Lorale once again after many years, and in desperate need for money, Falco ventures out into the village to find some work. He does, luckily (or so he thinks at first), but the man he is to work for is extremely strange and mysterious, and frighteningly ghastly-looking. But there's no other way he can turn to to earn money fast, and besides, he can't help feel proud of himself for finding a place to work so quickly. But after this first encounter with a stranger he's never seen before, more odd things begin to happen. Secrets are uncovered, even within his circle of family. But it's all just the beginning... ALL AND ANY FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. I'D ESPECIALLY APPRECIATE SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE PLOTLINE AND THE BELIEVABILITY OF THINGS. GRAMMATICAL ISSUES, I'M PLANING TO FOCUS ON AFTER I FINISH THE WHOLE PIECE.

Chapters: