The Sowing

Then she and her crew are gone, fading into the sea of hustling bodies.

“You should probably get some rest, mate,” Cage says. The place where his hand once was has been bandaged meticulously.

I shake my head. “Too much to do. Besides, I need to stay busy.” I look away. A particle of dust must have gotten in my eye because it burns, and I try to rub it away. “I’m sure Tristin’s okay, Cage.”

“Thank you.” He grips my arm. “Lucian. I’m not sure what happened to you after Infiernos. But you have to believe, you’re not alone now.”

I can only nod and slip away from his grasp. Cage is a great man. A natural leader. Maybe someday, when this bloody war is over, he’ll meet someone who can appreciate him. That’s something I can never be. Not to him. Not to anyone else ever again.

Moving away from him, I lose myself in the crowd and spend the rest of the day working nonstop.

At last, the weary sky gives way to dusk. Without fully thinking about what I’m doing, I grab a flickering torch and move onto the main platform. I raise the flame high over my head, gritting my teeth as I welcome the pain that reminds me I’m still alive—and still have a purpose.

Gradually the sounds fade as people begin to notice me. Finally, a hush falls through the crowd.

“People of the Parish,” I say. My voice echoes across the canyon with a power I’ve never felt until now. “We have all felt what it’s like to live under the suffocating oppression and tyranny of the Establishment. We’ve all suffered and lost people that we love.” The word catches in my throat for a second. “But I promise you, none of what we’ve experienced shall be in vain. We will fight with every last drop of blood until those responsible cower and drop to their knees. Freedom and dignity are not scraps to be doled out by cruel masters. They belong to every man, woman, and child. They are our right. And we won’t stop until they belong to us!”

The canyon comes alive with roars and applause, a noise that rivals the most powerful thunderstorm. My eyes wander the crowed and I see their faces: Arrah, Drusilla, Cage, Dahlia, Corin, and Jeptha—people who are still alive. People who need me.

Like I need them.

But it’s the faces that aren’t there that consume me.

As the rumbling ovation and chants continue, I stare into the flame I hold high. Perhaps it’s a trick of the light, but I can almost swear I see faces staring back at me through the flickering glow.

A child and a young man.

The fire inside me blazes, rivaling my torch.

“I will win this war for you,” I whisper.

Somewhere out there, Digory is waiting for me.

And Cole. No matter what Cassius said or what they made Cole do, no matter if Cassius was lying or telling the truth about the Sowing Protocol, Cole will always be my brother.

Just like I’ll always be who I am. Who I’ve always been.

Who I’ve become.

Lucian Spark.

The Torch Keeper.

THE END

Acknowledgments

As is often the case, sequels are an extension of the commitment, dedication, and encouragement of all that came before. The Sowing is no exception. There are so many wonderful people that have become part of this growing family of supporters of the Torch Keeper series, ever since The Culling was released, and I really appreciate all that they have contributed on this magical journey.

Cathy Castelli, I am forever indebted to you for taking the time to record my first book signing event EVER when The Culling was first released. You captured a wonderful memory of my dreams coming true that I will treasure for years to come! Also, it was really awesome of you to promote the book in school libraries.

No mention of schools would be complete without a nod to fellow author, Jennifer Lavoie, a teacher who has championed The Culling and introduced it to her students, while whetting their appetites for The Sowing in fiendishly clever ways. You tease!

Much thanks to Micah Dawson and the members of the Chaos Reads forums for embracing the Torch Keeper series, spreading the word of its existence, and starting its very first fan forums. I can’t tell you how amazing it felt the first time I saw a fan site featuring discussions of stories and characters of my own creation, and realizing I had actual fans!

And speaking of fans, I’d like to give a special shout-out to Chloe Hill, Marie White, Mel Longchamps, and Michele Cantwell, who befriended Lucian, Digory, and the rest of The Culling gang when no one had a clue who they were, and who have continually raved about the Torch Keeper series so that other readers might discover it and enter the dark worlds in my head. Hope this book settles the “Digory” questions. You guys ROCK!

My warmest thanks go out to my friends Adam Magee and his partner, Chad Michaels, for their encouragement and countless tweets, even before The Culling was ever released. ChAdam, Shantay, you STAY!