Chloe’s book is starting to get some real traction. Fairacre is waking up.

I love it when the story just pours out.
The characters take on a life of their own, and I let them go. I’ve had to get comfortable with deleting a ton of words, as sometimes we end up down a rabbit hole.

Here’s to the delete key :)

Onwards!

— G. J.

​

He looked so lost.
So…sad.
I wanted to hold him, reach for him, but I know him too well.

He needs to process.

It doesn’t take him long. I can see it play out on his face, and it is hurting him.

My rock is in pain.
Patience, Chloe, patience.

This changes everything. I can feel the shift in the air. The ache in my bones.
Trouble.
We can no longer hide in the shadows. My people are tired, and I ask too much of them, but we have no choice.

Fairacre will sound the cry once again.

— C

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Chloe and the Slaver cover art

As I delve deeper into Chloe’s world and the world of Fairacre, my thoughts and dreams are becoming more vivid.
Sometimes I wonder if my created worlds are better than the world I live in.

Back to work. Stories need to be told.

— G. J.

​

On reflection, what I did was extremely silly.
I didn’t really think about it, I just did it.
But I now lead Fairacre, and there are expectations. Not expectations of tradition, but of leading by example.

I must be smarter.

But she stood there… bleeding… so much blood.
And she was one of me, one of my people. Surely the townsfolk would have done the same thing?
Or would they? I don’t know.

I stepped off the wall and into the darkness. I didn’t think about it, I just did it.
She stood there, holding something in her hand, a wild look in her eyes.

Yes, on reflection, what I did was extremely silly.

— C

If you haven’t yet met Dr Viktor, now is your chance. He’s been waiting. It’s free. (You’ll also join my reader list; unsubscribe any time.)

Chloe and the Slaver cover art

I love them, though.
Love? … I don’t know… The little one has a way about her… and him, well, just look at what he can do. So gifted.

The noises outside are getting more frequent. I know what they are, but I dare not tell them. We will need to make a run for it soon.

Maybe Chloe will visit. She is due.

— Dr V

​

I knew it! I knew something would happen.
I allowed it, and he got hurt.
Why don’t I trust myself? Naomi trusted me, but here I am, doubting myself. My blood feels like it’s boiling!

That machine, it seems, has eyes everywhere. I think we have figured it out. Valen is gifted, and it knows he is…but it does nothing. It just sits there. Why?

I cannot dwell on this. I must trust my gut more now than ever before.

Viktor. We need to get to Viktor, as I feel something is not right in the eastern forest.
Thomas has a plan. I don’t know his motive, but he is proving trustworthy.

I feel the next few days are critical. The little ones need help.
We will move in the morning.

— C

Billy? Ahh, Billy…well…he is missing. Gone. Where? Only I know ;)

Summertime is here, and I can feel the happiness growing in my blood. Let there be sun!

— G.J.

​

Fairacre.

I used to hate it here. Cast into the sewers or slaved to the bone were my only two choices.
Of course, I chose the sewers.

But look at this small little town now. Sitting south of the main river that separates us from that place…The City of Lynn. I can feel its threatening gaze.

I would like to visit one day… I have questions. I want them answered.

Little girls were skipping in the streets this morning. I saw them when Alexa and I stretched our legs across the town’s rooftops. Who would have thought? Nobody, I can guarantee you.

I have never felt so free. Even with danger presenting on all sides.

There it goes again. That sound.
My Valen has a trick up his sleeve. He snores spread-eagled on the bed behind me. I am not sure I am going to allow it. He is his own man, though.

I must sleep. Tomorrow will again test my resolve.

— C

I don’t know if I trust him. I really don’t know.

He seems… calculating, determined, observing. But isn’t that what I need from an army councilman?

Valen seems to trust him, but then my man could pull the splinter from an angry wolf’s paw, and he would trust the animal while doing it.

This monster outside our walls still lurks. I need to see Viktor for advice, but that itself is fraught with danger.

Viktor…

He’d best be looking after my two treasures. Well, four treasures actually.

The council look wary, but it’s what they signed up for. We need to harvest, or everyone will starve. At least we all agree on one thing.

I need to run. The rooftops are calling me.

I will stay strong

— C

I’m going back to my writing den to finish Chloe’s story, and while I do, she’s going to write to you directly.

She’s been wanting to write to you. Here she is.

— G.J.

​

I miss them so much. The journey home from the east tore my heart from my chest. I left so many of the people I love behind.

My Valen. My rock. I would have been a mess without him.

Outside our small town of Fairacre, something I have heard of but never seen until now is making a hell of a racket.

My people are so strong. I can see fear in their eyes, but they stand true next to me.

Could you imagine that a few seasons ago, I was sneaking out of a horrible-smelling sewer? Unbelievable what can happen when people stand together and act.

There it goes again. That sound. It tears through my head. Valen, my giant of a man, is sitting in his office with his fingers in his ears.

I am so tired, but I cannot slink away and hide. I so want to, though, so badly. Just let me lie in his arms.

That sound.

I need to sign this off and get back out there.

Time to be brave, Chloe.

- C