The Vortex is the third and final book of the fantasy series called The Alban Saga. Beatrice was Book I and Black Grotto Book II. I'm almost done with Chapter 22 titled "Aran's Great Struggle."
The Vortex is going to be about 31 chapters long, with the final chapter being the "Epilogue." I'm hoping to complete and publish it sometime during the fall of 2024. Maybe sooner if everything goes well!
Over the previous days and nights, Aran had lain in the tall grass in two distinct forms of hell. In one, he was completely comatose, in a deep fog of unconsciousness - a black, empty hole of non-existence. In the other, he endured a partial awareness, just cognizant enough to comprehend that something horrible was causing him severe confusion, pain, and suffering. In those moments, he could feel himself screaming for help and sense his body struggling mightily against whatever was inside him.
Then, without warning, his situation was altered. He no longer felt as utterly alone and desolate. Something or someone had arrived, providing a bit of solace and comfort. For the first time since entering this living nightmare, a calmness began to wash over him. He could sense the light of reality far off in the distance, and in that moment, he felt the touch of another human being, first on his shoulder and then his face - a hand brushing across his forehead.
Aran desperately wanted to open his eyes and speak, but as of yet, that was impossible. He was still held in the grip of incongruity and confusion. He did the only thing he could. He transformed his focus from what was going on inside to whomever it was that had touched him. The change was small but significant.
Then something else entered his awareness...
