Here's a preview of the book
The Dark Dreamweaver
by Nick Ruth.
"Can I stay up and read for a little while, Mom?" pleaded David. His mom smiled and handed David a book. She adjusted the lights in the room so that he could read, gave him a kiss and left the room. David began reading, straining to avoid sleep. He knew that as soon as he fell asleep, the nightmare would begin again. But soon, his eyelids grew heavy. Suddenly, as if a black curtain had dropped over his eyes, the dream began.
The sound of his own heart grew louder in his ears. Its steady thump lulled him into a deeper sleep; but just as his breathing slowed, the black curtain in front of him lifted, revealing the back of what appeared to be a very tall, very large man. Long white hair cascaded down his back, almost to his waist. The man was wearing a dark gray robe, tied in the middle, with billowing sleeves that hinted at massive arms. Swirling glitter floated up and down in an endless, mesmerizing dance around him. Dark streamers of smoke wafted across the sky.
The thumping of David's heart grew louder and faster as the figure began to turn. Then a voice filled David's head, drowning out the beating of his heart. The voice was deep and gravelly, almost a growl. "I can feel your fear. It fills me. Soon, I will be the true master of dreams and all will tremble before me."
David began to sweat. The dream continued.
David didn't want to look but he couldn't turn away. As the figure spoke, he finished turning towards David. David flinched as the full face appeared. The creature's skin was gray and shiny, with a high forehead topped by white hair that was swept straight back and caught the light of the glitter that continued swirling around. Its nose and mouth were set in a smooth muzzle that jutted slightly from the face. The nostrils were large and black, and flared as the creature exhaled. The ears were small and round, set close to the head but slightly higher than David was used to seeing. Its eyes were closed and it seemed to be meditating. There was a slight smile on its face.
As David gazed at the creature, he noticed that its massive hands held a cylindrical piece of glass mounted on a wooden rod with a gold handle. The glass revolved slowly, reflecting a rainbow of colors, seemingly pulled from the glittering air. A wisp of dark smoke wafted up from the glass.
David was so fascinated with the scene that he forgot to be scared. But this sense of calm was suddenly shattered when the eyes of the creature snapped open. If David had been awake, he would have screamed. The eyes were black. Completely black. Dark pools looked like empty eye sockets, but David could see a shiny film covering the eyes and could feel them boring right into his head. The thumping of his heart returned and now it was beating a rapid staccato.
David could see the reflection of light against dazzling white canine teeth. The growling voice continued, "No one can help you. He can't help you. He is lost forever. Wizard or not, he can't escape his fate. The world is mine to control." With a swirl of gray, and a tumble of glitter, the figure whirled and the curtain of black returned.
(Copyright by Nick Ruth)
Return to the page of book previews.