Children of The Shadow

Chapter 1

9th Century, August 23rd

Our people found an island. We had been searching for a place to live for a long time. The land was lush and green, with many trees. It looked like paradise. Our first task was to build homes. We made huts from tree branches. They weren't very comfortable, but it was better than sleeping in the open air. But I feel something is wrong with this island. The birds don't sing, the trees are silent, and even the wind is quiet. I feel like something is watching us, just beyond our sight. And I know it's not human. It feels like something much larger and more frightening.

9th Century, August 24th

I woke up in the middle of the night, hearing someone calling a name. I got out of bed and went outside into the darkness. There was no one around, but I heard the name being called again, this time from the beach. So, I walked down to the water's edge. I saw a dark figure standing on the shoreline. It was just blackness—no features at all—but it seemed to be staring right at me. I felt very uncomfortable and ran back to my hut.

9th Century, August 25th

I told the adults and elders about what I saw last night. They didn't believe me. They said I must have seen a bird or a fish, but I know what I saw.

9th Century, August 26th

We built more houses today. I still believe we shouldn't stay on this island. I wish someone would listen to me.

9th Century, August 27th

It happened again last night. I woke up to hear a name being called. I went outside and saw nothing, but then I noticed a dark shape walking away. I followed it until it disappeared. It looked like a shadow. Then a breeze rustled the leaves around me, and it was gone.

9th Century, August 28th

I'm starting to be afraid of this island. Last night, I heard a child crying for her mother. The voice was faint but filled me with dread. I went outside, but nothing was there. I could smell the sea breeze, which calmed me down a little. Why did no one else hear it? This is so strange.

9th Century, August 29th

I went to the ship to get some food since we were running low. But when I got there, the ship was destroyed! I only found a little food that survived the unknown attack. When I returned to the village, everyone looked at me, asking what happened. I told them everything. I hope they believe me.

9th Century, August 30th

Today, we built a school in the woods. It's not like the one in my hometown, but it will do. I was asked to be a teacher, and I accepted because I want to help children learn to read and write.

10th Century, September 4th

I haven't written in my diary for four days because I was busy teaching basic math. But last night, I heard voices again, and this time, my wife heard them too. We went outside to find where they were coming from and saw a group of children. We asked what they were doing out so late. Then, they vanished before our eyes! We were terrified and ran back to our hut to pray for safety.

10th Century, September 5th

Food supplies are low, and I can't stop thinking about the children we saw. How did they disappear like that? Are they ghosts, or is someone playing tricks on us?

10th Century, September 9th

It's morning, and I'm writing this entry. There's only a little food left. I'm hungry, but I'll feed the children first. If we don't get more food soon, we're all going to starve.

10th Century, September 10th

We are almost out of food, so I decided to search for more. I don't know how far I'll have to go, but I hope to return before everything runs out.

10th Century, September 14th

I've been gone for four days. It feels like the island is helping me, but I can't fully trust it. I need to find enough food to bring back to the village.

10th Century, September 16th

The forest seemed to guide me to food, but it's nothing like the food back home. I also found strange plants that will grow into trees. Is there some kind of magic on this island?

10th Century, September 20th

I returned to the village this morning and found that some people had died of hunger, including my mother. I'll take care of my younger brother, just as my mother would have wanted. After eating the food I found, we planted some, and, to our amazement, it started growing right away. As I looked into the forest, I thought I saw a mask, but it disappeared before I could get close.

10th Century, September 22nd

Something strange is happening: 19 children have gained magical powers. We think it's from the food on the island, but we need more proof. If I'm right, it might explain the voices and the children who disappear into thin air.

10th Century, October 2nd

Almost everyone on the island now has some kind of magical ability, and we're sure it's from the food. But why does the food give us powers? And why don't some people, like me, get any?

10th Century, October 3rd

The 19 children with magical powers are now called the Goldnan Lena. They are the first people to gain magic powers on this island.

10th Century, October 10th

I was chosen to be the chief, and...

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"Mommy?" a young girl asked, coming to the table where her mother was having breakfast. Her mother looked up and smiled.

"What's wrong?" her mother asked.

"I noticed that after these pages, the writing is in a different language," the girl said, pointing to one of the pages that wasn't in English.

"Well, it's a diary that's been in our family for many years. Only your Abuela knew what it said," her mother answered.

"Do you remember what Abuela told you about it?" the young girl asked.

Her mother thought for a moment, smiling as she remembered. "My mamá used to tell me this story when I was little, but I don't remember the words. She'd say it was written by someone special."

"Who?" the young girl asked.

"Our ancestors," her mother replied.

The young girl looked down sadly. "I wish Abuela was still alive. Maybe she could read it to me, too."

Her mother frowned. "I know, querida. I wish she'd lived longer. But she's watching over you," her mother said gently.

"But, mamá," the young girl continued, "every time I look at our family album, Abuela isn't smiling. It seems like she lost something."

"I know," her mother said softly. "Your Abuela kept things to herself. She didn't share what she was hiding, not even with my papa."

"Why did she keep it a secret?" the girl asked.

"I'm not sure, but maybe she didn't want to worry anyone too much," her mother replied.

The young girl's eyes brightened with determination. "Mamá, I promise I'll try to find out what she was hiding, and I'll tell you."

Her mother nodded, smiling. "Oh, I remember she told me there's a place where you can see dragons and elves, like in the diary," the girl said, opening her arms wide.

Her mother laughed. "Come on, let's get in the car before the 'dragons' come to get you!" They laughed together as they got ready to visit a friend's house.