Page 1 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

Prologue.

Ajax

The snow fell heavy as Ajax pushed through it, his determination to reach his destination unwavering. He’d left Wollscombe Hall and his relatives behind, driven by an unknown urge. He understood his role; he always had.

Ajax was God’s first Norton Warrior. He was not needed just yet. Not with his descendants spread throughout the world; there were others out there who’d defend against evil. The Rakehell Six also now raised families, bringing their children into the light and making them strong.

Ajax had been horrified by how extensively the world had changed and yet remained the same. Technology frightened him because it was so complicated. What had happened to a simple existence? People had come to depend too heavily on it. Sure, some things were useful, such as the machine for clothes washing and the heaters. A great deal of it was also a cause of corruption. Video games, horror movies, social media; these enabled humans to show their weak side, and they revelled in it.

Social media especially permitted hate to grow and spread; Ajax shook his head as he pressed forward. The snow was thick and hard to walk through. Drifts piled up as the relentless storm pounded against him.

He pulled his cloak tighter, focusing on his target. Then, using his magic, he sent warmth running through his clothes to combat the chill.

One step after another.

Out of the snowstorm, a towering building appeared, making him stumble. The red was faded and wind-chipped; its beacon of hope was off, and it loomed above him desolately. Ajax didn’t hesitate but moved toward the heavy wooden door. He shoved the door open and closed it firmly behind him.

Ajax sensed the presence of someone immediately and also sensed the power of the ley line running beneath the lighthouse. He cocked his head as his eyes searched the shadows; he was being watched. Ajax climbed the stairs and headed for the old fireplace. He flicked his fingers, and a fire burst into existence.

“How?” a male voice demanded.

“There are things beyond your comprehension,” Ajax replied as he picked up a stool and brushed it down before taking a seat.

“You’re not from this time,” the ghost said, appearing. Ajax shook his head as he pulled out the food he’d brought.

“No. Like you, I was lost.”

“Then why are you here?”

Ajax studied him. “Can you materialise?”

The ghost cocked his head and snorted. “You know much about this existence, stranger.”

“Ajax.”

“William.”

“I’m aware. It’s time, William.”

William frowned. Ajax saw he didn’t care for the sound of that.

“For what?”

“To awaken and fulfil your destiny,” Ajax replied.

William smirked. “Grand words, my friend.”

“Meaningful ones.” Ajax laid a hand on the chilled wall. He felt the power beneath his feet, idling in the firm bedrock, waiting to be awakened. Without looking at William, Ajax poked the spark he’d been searching for, and Leafpoint roared to life.

William gasped as suddenly he became solid, and Ajax looked satisfied.

“What was that?” William demanded.

“Destiny. Fate. Kismet. A calling. Call it what you wish, but make no mistake, the future is in play.” Ajax tossed William an apple as he pulled food from his pack.

“It is Christmas Day, yet you eat a simple meal,” William said, staring at the thick sandwiches.

“My family is safe. For them to remain so means I have to complete certain steps,” Ajax replied, holding William’s gaze.