by Line, Al K.
As soon as they'd arrived back on the mainland it was clear they had all missed it terribly, and he knew he had done the right thing by convincing them to make the trip. He just hadn't been sure how he would make certain they would stay and try to rebuild the world, keep themselves alive and stop them from sinking back into a mindless existence devoid of interaction with the diminishing population.
Then he'd met Michael, and they hatched their plan.
Michael had accumulated special skills, telling Aiden of countless adventures, but it was clear to Aiden that The Lethargy was taking him, and Michael had eventually told him how bad it was getting.
Reluctantly, Michael had agreed to Aiden's crazy plan, understanding that it was for his family, however extreme it seemed. Aiden had come up with most of the idea, convincing Michael to tell Edsel that he'd been following him, waiting for him, making it all too convincing — a back story that would ensure Edsel would never give up his hunt for his family, believing Michael to be insane and not just a slightly crazy old man. It wouldn't do just to give Edsel The Ink, there had to be more — a reason for him to truly feel what it was to be alive, and that was the all too familiar thrill of the chase. And when it was all over? Well, Edsel and Lash would never return to the quiet life, they would always be a part of society in one way or another.
Aiden knew that without him to care for, Edsel and Lash would have a better life — they'd be free to do what they wanted without worrying about him, and Aiden would also have his freedom, although he missed his family terribly as soon as the plan had gone into action.
Still, now he could have an adventure of his own.
Aiden shouldered his backpack and closed the door behind him. He walked out into a world bright with possibilities, feeling buoyant at the thought of having his own set of adventures. He would try to make a difference, help rebuild a world where there were very few people that cared any longer.
He cared, he really did.
Maybe one day we'll meet again. In the meantime none of us will be bored.
Aiden smiled, he was very much looking forward to that day. But for now he had a whole world to explore, and there weren't many people he felt he couldn't deal with if the need arose.
The End
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Thanks for reading. Well, that's the end of the INK trilogy. I hope you enjoyed it, I know I had a blast writing it. If you want to explore the world of The Lethargy in greater detail then The Commorancy series is sure to be of interest. It involves a much larger cast of characters, is certainly quirky, and goes from the early years of The Lethargy to hundreds of years into the future.
Arcene & The Blue Castle is also set in the same world, all about the adventures of a young girl 300 years post-Lethargy. She kicks-ass!
There are a number of other exciting new projects available, so be sure to take a look on my Website for all the latest and forthcoming releases.
Drop me a line any time at [email protected] if you want to say hi.
Stay jiggy.
Al
For a full list of books and discounts on new releases visit Alkline.co.uk
