Chapter 1: April 13

Enosh wrapped both his hands around his father’s, pressing them to his forehead, and wept. The others began to mourn, not holding back the tears of losing one that was so beloved. Only the two rulers, accustomed to seeing the passing of life, were solemnly silent. No tears formed to flow down their face. They knew Seth lived as long a life as one could expect.

Everyone’s face was somber except that of the stranger. He remained unchanged at the actual event of Seth’s passing; it was not of special significance to him. His focus was on the crowd, and he positioned himself away from the shadows to better observe them. A man left the room to inform those outside that Seth was now dead. Those gathered in the room composed themselves knowing that others waited outside to witness the passing of this great man. They gave their sympathy to the close family and filed out while others entered the room. All the people moved slowly in small groups of forty, each responding in his and her own way to the loss, and then giving assurance to Enosh that their allegiance was with him now that he would be governing them. 

The stranger continued watching the people: hoods removed as they entered and replaced as they left. Then he noticed the women who had caught his eye earlier. No longer carrying the child, she stopped in front of the family to pay her respects. Her unhooded hair was like a beautiful crowning flame.

The entire first chapter of The Corruption – Book 1 in The Age of the Watchers – will be published on this blog throughout the month of April.