A Host of Fallen Dreams - After the Rising Book 1

Welcome to The Territory

Hello and welcome. I am Your Thoughtful Guide, here of my own volition, to help you understand what you are about to get yourself into.

You are about to enter The Territory. I thought it only fair to warn you.

You might recognise this place, or at the very least, some parts of it may appear familiar. But you don't, and it isn't. Wherever you go here, go carefully.

The Territory today is like your world a few decades ago if that past was set in the future. Combine that strange mix of time periods with the green and pleasant ancient landscape of mysterious woodland groves and temples dedicated to the Old Gods and you will get some idea of the world you've stepped into.

And just so you know, a thing called The Rising occurred here four years ago. The City, which is at the heart of The Territory, is divided, and parts of the settlement that were destroyed haven't been rebuilt yet. Why? Because The Government isn't in the humour to reward those they deem the enemy.

And there are plenty who fall into that category. They chiefly dislike those who made it on to The List prior to The Rising, but many of them died on the day everything changed. By the way, that is a phrase you will hear a lot. Other people they have a problem with include the families of those who made it on to The List, those who work for the Underground, those who don't want to stay in The City and live under their rule, and those who just generally don't agree with them. Please don't think this is exhaustive though - there are many ways to get your name put on the naughty list in The Territory. Sometimes you don't even know you've committed an infringement until they arrest you for it.

The Rising and the new government are shrouded in mystery. And those caught up in this new world have to make do the best they can -whichever side they are on. I see that look on your face. You think it's as simple as good folk versus bad folk? Nope. Not here. Life is so much more complicated than that, but you'll see that for yourself soon enough.

Was it supposed to be this way? Who can tell? All we know for certain is this: survival is the goal of the majority in The City. And not everyone makes it.

So how do temples and groves fit into this dystopian cityscape? I'm glad you asked. The Greenwood borders the north-east of The City, and let me tell you, it's a strange place. The people to be found there are not like their urban counterparts. The Temple in The Grove has been standing for thousands of years and miraculously remains untouched by time or the petty squabbles of those who live within the city walls. It is a place of ancient wonder, a place of myth and legend. A place of magic.

Sounds quite wonderful in a way, doesn't it? Before you start thinking how amazing it is, you will soon find that in even the ancient, timeless places of the world everything in the garden isn't always rosy. People can suffer in beautiful places as well as in dark ones. They just suffer from different things.

Another place I should let you know about is the Wastelands. Yes, it is as grim as it sounds, so avoid it if you can. A whole swathe of The Territory outside of The City was literally laid waste to during The Rising. And if you're caught there...well, don't get caught there.

A lesson you will quickly come to learn during your stay in The Territory is this: where there is power there is sacrifice, and that is usually followed by heartache. And in this equation, a little goes a long way.

But don't let me put a downer on your visit. Love can often be found there too. Unfortunately, that also tends to come with a hefty price tag.

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Thanks for taking the time to read the opening of my story. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please feel free to press that magic star and vote for it. Or share your thoughts and leave me a comment.

So, The Territory...sounds like an interesting place. From what you've heard so far, what do you think of it? I would love to know.

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Have a wonderful day!