Short Stories

Book of Secrets

Here is another piece I did in creative writing. I have a vague idea in my head for this so hopefully I will be able to continue it. Enjoy!

"Come on Damian, it's time to go." Thunder boomed as Damian walked out of his room, his head hung and his eyes red rimmed from crying. His aunt put a comforting arm around his shoulder when he reached the bottom of the stairs and they started for the large double doors of the mansion. As they exited the mansion, Damian looked up to see a man walking beside him. The man wore a black hood over his face. He turned and looked at Damian, giving him a smile. Damian quickly looked away, shivers swimming down his spine.

The man laughed warmly. "What is your name, young man?"

"D-Damian," said Damian, looking back up at the man. His black hair was soaked by the steady stream of rain that poured down and stuck to his face.

"Oh, it was your parents that just passed away then. I'm terribly sorry." They walked on in silence. "You know, they are in a better place now. You should be happy for them." Damian wanted to burst out in protest but the only sound he could manage was a choked sob. How could his parents be in a better place if they were dead? As if reading his thoughts the man continued on, "You are too young to understand, but this world is cruel. There are evil things out there. It is not a kind place. Death, on the other hand, is peaceful. There are no worries for your parents now."

Damian looked around for his aunt. He wished for other company. There was something about the man that didn't seem right. Seeing his aunt wasn't around, Damian decided to go look for her. There were people all around him. More people than he had ever seen in his life. Up ahead he could see the twin coffins of his parents as they were carried through the cobbled streets.

"There are certain...powers that would enable one to revive the dead." Damian almost stopped. He looked at the man. He could feel his face turning white as the blood drained from it. Even though it was pouring rain and everyone was soaked, the man didn't seem to be wet at all. It was like there was a barrier protecting him from the rain.

"Who a-are you?" Damian stuttered.

"My name is Count Graves But please, call me Brendan." The man, Brendan's face was white. Very white. Unusually white, as if he hadn't been in the sun for a long time.

Damian swallowed and struggled to form words. "Do you posses such powers?"

Brenden smiled sadly at him. "No, I do not, or else I would have used them to revive your parents. But I know how one might obtain such powers."

Damian's eyes widened. "Teach me," he breathed. "Please."

Brenden laughed. "I would not teach such things to a boy. It would be too dangerous."

"I wouldn't be reckless! I promise," pleaded Damian. If it was possible he could have his parents back, he would do anything.

"I know, I know. But just acquiring the required materials would be dangerous. It could kill us both, and you wouldn't want that, would you?"

"Yes," said Damian. "I would. If there is the chance to bring them back, I would take it."

Brenden sighed on the outside but smiled on the inside. This was what he wanted. This boy could help him. But he couldn't give in so easy. He had to make sure the boy was entirely committed. "I have said too much. Good day." He turned and started walking into the crowd.

"No!" Damian cried, grabbing him by the sleeve. "Please, you have to teach me. You have to help me get them back."

Brendon glared at him. "Fine," he said. But you must first promise not to tell anyone."

"I promise."

"Good. Good." Brenden paused to think. "Wait for me. I will return in three days. Listen for the twelfth bell at midnight, then meet me at the grove of aspen trees at the far end of the field."

Damian barely had time to register the directions before Brenden disappeared into the crowd.