Introduction

2002 C.E.

About this work...

I make no pretensions as to the readability of this story. This is written for my own enjoyment, I don’t write for others anymore. Why? It’s a really complex answer. Suffice to say I’m wasted enough of my life trying to work with others, only to have them destroy their worlds with no regard to others or simply toss or force me out of shared works to last me several lifetimes. And yes I am quite aware that my ‘talent’ for writing is sub-standard. That I even try is important when you understand that I am not only Dyslexic, but Dysgraphic and have suffered at least four serious head injuries over my life span (the kind that don’t break bones badly, but really mess up the spongy jell-o(tm) underneath.) Sometimes I forget what I’m doing while writing. Occasionally the lapses are worse, but not often.

About the work. It was written in bit parts as ideas came to me, thus chapter eleven was written months or years before nine or ten. The ending was hacked out long before the book actually took real shape. As the story evolved I went back to previous work to adjust things. Unlike my normal attempts this was not written from start to finish, but as individual chapters. Many ideas were discussed with my wife Anna, many ideas were worked out, most which never made the final cut. I find it easiest to work with someone than to work alone. Working alone my material becomes dark, moody and rather adult. This is not an attempt to create ‘the ultimate novel’ or something some crazed madman might want to turn into a movie (Athena help me I hope not) but to express a story that’s been floating in my mind for thirty plus years in various forms.

About the characters; Amanda is one of those ‘tougher than nails’ kids that learn early on they will die young. She is no different than you or I, other than she’s been forced to face a reality no child should have to. All her dreams of life are just that. Dreams. With no chance to have her own family she has turned inward, but a non-destructive turning. Sara is a different kind of person. She’s older than Amanda yes, she’s also quite a bit more open to life, and yes she’s in truly love with Amanda. Watching Amanda’s body fail has been rough on the artist, and its shown in her work. Marcus the dragon is simply a teacher from another reality. His job is to teach Amanda, guide her towards the goal she desires but not lead her by a leash. As to how this ends even I don’t know right now. I’m hacking on chapter eleven tonight even as I write this, while at the same time spending my days putting up political signs. Right now I have no idea where this will go, or if it will ever be finished. It is simply something I want to write for myself.

Occasionally events, people, words or phrases form 1960's books, movies and television shows will pop up. They are used without permission, I didn’t even try to ask however I will, when I can, explain where they come from. Little things like ‘Sorry about that Chief,’ ‘Grok,’ or the lines from Fireball XL-5's theme song might pop up. I grew up in the 1960's, its what I really remember. I’m not going to try to create an entire universe.

                                                                                          That’s about it.

                                                                                          Mr. David Reese Dorrycott

                                                                                          Born; 07-29-1951, the First millennium.

                                                                                          Died; Sometime in the second millennium -maybe

                                                                                          (There are rumors you know. Strange rumors.)