When the Leaves Fall Early

By Jim Blakeway

Jack Dobson wants a woman. One particular woman. His desire crosses reason and time, attracting one of The Ancients – Merlin, the magician. Over the centuries it has become Merlin’s delight to cast figurative lightning bolts into the lives of mortals; and despite interference from his counterpart, he has honed his craft to perfection.

Merlin offers Jack a Faustian bargain that will give him the woman he desires, but Jack tests Merlin’s patience with his indecision to commit to Merlin’s terms. Jack’s inability to take a stand in a critical moment becomes his undoing as Merlin conjures up diabolical forces, causing an incredible trade-off in the lives of two couples. Merlin’s black magic sets up a storm of dark forces that tests the bounds of love, belief and fate.

His one wish granted, Jack is placed in a position where he must pay the price for the sensual pleasures he so desired.

The master of disguise and treachery, Merlin holds no bounds in his ability to bedevil a Wisconsin community with evil doings and creatures as the two lovers play out their tangled fate.

In a climactic ending, the reader is witness to a horrifying standoff between the forces of good and the evil that Merlin has conjured up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jim Blakeway
• Release date: Sep 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466175013

Jim Blakeway

Jim’s ability to write stems from a curious and imaginative mind coupled with a life of many experiences. Born in Florida in 1951, he attended school in the U.S., Britain and Canada, and graduated from the University of Washington in 1972 with a degree in business administration. His career included employment with Boeing and an international computer firm before ending up as the Northwest systems engineering manager for Motorola. In 1980, he helped form Dynalogic, Inc. and spent most of his time designing, writing, installing and supporting the firm’s accounting software. Dynalogic’s customer base enabled Jim to travel extensively and gather many ideas for stories. In 2008, Jim received a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning from City University. He has spent the last several years as the president of Dynalogic Personal Services, specializing in Daily Money Management for seniors and busy professionals. Some of the experiences that his book’s characters share are drawn from Blakeway’s first-hand knowledge of hunting and farming, although he includes among his interests travel, skiing, sky and scuba diving, and motorcycles. In 2010 Blakeway was the Hillwood Soccer Club’s coach of the year after leading his girl’s under-sixteen team to an undefeated season and a Seattle City Tournament championship. Jim also maintains a blog at Goodreads.com: "Flatsnake - From Scratch". Emily Hill, the editor of "Leaves", is the author of “Jenkins: Confederate Blockade Runner” and owner of A.V. Harrison Publishing, assisting authors in self-publishing their works.

Book preview

When the Leaves Fall Early

Jack Dobson wants a woman. One particular woman. His desire crosses reason and time, attracting one of The Ancients – Merlin, the magician. Over the centuries it has become Merlin’s delight to cast figurative lightning bolts into the lives of mortals; and despite interference from his counterpart, he has honed his craft to perfection.

Merlin offers Jack a Faustian bargain that will give him the woman he desires, but Jack tests Merlin’s patience with his indecision to commit to Merlin’s terms. Jack’s inability to take a stand in a critical moment becomes his undoing as Merlin conjures up diabolical forces, causing an incredible trade-off in the lives of two couples. Merlin’s black magic sets up a storm of dark forces that tests the bounds of love, belief and fate.

His one wish granted, Jack is placed in a position where he must pay the price for the sensual pleasures he so desired.

The master of disguise and treachery, Merlin holds no bounds in his ability to bedevil a Wisconsin community with evil doings and creatures as the two lovers play out their tangled fate.

In a climactic ending, the reader is witness to a horrifying standoff between the forces of good and the evil that Merlin has conjured up.

When the Leaves Fall Early introduces this season’s breakout storyteller – Jim Blakeway

From Stan Perkunder in Toronto, Canada:

Just finished reading a riveting first book effort written by former work neighbour Jim Blakeway who I had no idea is such an accomplished creative writer. Found When the Leaves Fall Early absolutely riveting with an unconventional twist into the supernatural that adds something of a mythological edge to the plot. Highly recommend it. Congrats Jim; it was a great read.

When the Leaves Fall Early

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and events are a product of the author’s imagination and/or used in a fictional sense. Any resemblance to actual people, locations or events is entirely coincidental.

Originally published electronically in 2010 by Flatsnake Publishing in the U.S.A.

V04 published June 2011

Smashwords Edition

Copyright @ 2010 by Jim Blakeway

All rights reserved, including the right to copy or reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information contact Flatsnake Publishing by e-mailing

[e-mail] or [e-mail].

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

When the Leaves Fall Early

A Novel of Mystery and Romance Written by Jim Blakeway

Chapter - Title

1 ……….. The Bargain

2 ……….. The Hunter

3 ……….. Discovery

4 ……….. Home

5 ……….. First

6 ……….. Stuck

7 ……….. Different

8 ……….. Suspicions

9 ……….. Reconciliation

10 …….... Second

11 …….... Attack

12 …….... Warning

13 …….... Confrontation

14 …...…. Resolution

15 …….... Sleep

16 …….... Day in the Sun

17 …….... The Reckoning

Chapter 1 - The Bargain

I prefer affairs of the heart, the old man stated as he sat down on the log. They are ultimately more satisfying.

Jack remained standing in the sunlight, aware of a movement in the bushes to his right. But you have meddled elsewhere over the years, if what you say is true. It was hard to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, but he was trying.

Even though Merlin was very old – even ancient – because it was hazy, he looked young. His movements were sometimes those of a vibrant man, yet other times he moved as an old and tired being. "It is not wise for you to keep asking questions about the past. The less you know the better. You want to understand everything, but everything cannot be understood. Some things are a mystery and should remain as such."

I’m trying to deduce your credibility more than anything else. You expect me to believe this miracle can take place, and then live it, all on faith. I find that very hard to do. Jack looked at the old man again, trying to catch his eyes. A movement to his right turned out to be a deer, half visible standing in the bushes at the edge of the clearing. It stood there watching, wary yet curious.

What does it matter? It will either happen or it won’t. You will believe it soon enough when you find yourself with the woman. Is she worth it?

Jack immediately pictured the woman he desired beyond reason. It seemed like she had a death grip on him. He thought of their endless communication and the pure desire they pushed at each other until he could hardly stand it. He remembered meeting her for the first time when he was instructing in the far-off town where she had worked. My God! The only time he ever touched her was when they shook hands, yet after a few years of e-mails and phone conversations it was like they were bonded into one. He wanted her so much it seemed to drive all rationality from his mind.

Yes. I believe so. Jack tried to put a forceful edge on the statement. It didn’t feel deep enough though, if this was some sort of test. Jesus! He was starting to believe in the possibility of it all again, but his common sense screamed out against this impossibility.

You believe so, Merlin laughed sardonically, the sides of his mouth smirking. Last week your desire was overwhelming, now you only believe so. Be careful what you wish for. You have a lot to lose. Do you really believe you can live this lie for a full season? She is a strong and astute woman. You are just a simple man. You could be in over your head.

Jack sighed, trying to weigh the variables. He wanted to believe in the proposal that had been presented to him, but he needed proof. Some sort of guarantee. His analytical mind wanted answers. He threw up a challenge. How do I know it’s going to work? Arthur was a failure.

Merlin’s eyes flashed, his face suddenly becoming animated, almost demonic. Jack took a nervous step back. Had he gone too far?

That affair was part of a much larger undertaking, Merlin responded angrily. The world was changing. Species were becoming extinct on a grand level. Besides, my counterpart was involved and we weren’t in agreement on what should happen. It was not a failure. Many basic principles of human decency were established. We brought the world out of the dark ages.

Human decency? Incest and war? Pillage and rape? It was Jack’s turn to be derisive in spite of his caution. There were now three deer standing in the bushes. The trees seemed to be filled with birds. One of them landed on the end of Merlin’s log.

Even I can only do so much against nature’s tide. Merlin looked old again with the fire gone from his eyes. Man was and remains a vicious brutal creature. I cannot control his dreams. We only had so much to work with and most of the species were worse, or did not have the mental capacity. He held out his hand as the small bird flew up and lit on his finger.

I do not know enough to disagree. Jack noticed his speech was becoming more formal in response to Merlin’s stilted wording. Were you involved in other wars? Who is your counterpart? Is he God? Is he the Devil? And who indeed is Merlin?

The dead cat syndrome, Merlin replied. I speak at your peril. She is neither, she is both. I am neither, I am both. I am Merlin, but we have each gone by many names. As I told you before, I prefer affairs of the heart. She has meddled much with the world, but it cannot be controlled by either of us.

Then you must be some sort of God. How long were you here before the time of Arthur?

Enough! Merlin stood up startling the bird, which flew off his hand and swept towards the trees. In case you have noticed not, after Arthur, I essentially disappeared from any chronicles except those that were made up. My desire is to remain anonymous and to amuse myself with the dealings of ordinary people. Hence the rules I stipulated. I have no desire to become the whipping boy of a hyperactive electronically enhanced media. If you attempt to strip me of my privacy, you will lose everything. Your family, the woman too. Besides, no person will believe your tale of my existence as you spend the rest of your days in a padded room.

Don’t worry. I won’t reveal your presence. I’m an honest person, and I have given you my word. I just don’t like stepping off into the unknown.

Getting back to the matter at hand; do you want to be with this woman or not?

You know I do. My desire was what attracted your attention in the first place.

The mutual desire. Even Igraine wanted Uther. It was not a forced coupling.

And if she finds out, if I tell her or anyone else, I will lose everything?

Exactly. So you have decided to exchange places with the woman’s husband? If you keep your word, you will return to your old life when the leaves begin to fall.

I have your guarantee my family will be safe while I’m gone?

Your exchange will make no difference to fate, and he will essentially become you with no knowledge of his normal life. You on the other hand may have some faint knowledge of both worlds, but if you attempt to communicate with your family, it will be considered a violation of our agreement, and that my friend will bring you misery and desperation until your last day on earth.

Yes, I understand that, but I need to understand more. Jack still didn’t believe, but he had seen enough of Merlin’s magic to risk all. He thought of his own dismal relationship, Nicole’s dismal relationship and the incredibly powerful love they felt for each other. It was too much to resist. Merlin’s bargain would give him a taste of bliss without tearing their respective families apart. The offer just proposed seemed too good to be true. Jack was still suspicious of a reckoning. Matter is neither created nor destroyed. What was the catch?

Done, stated Merlin. He raised his hands skyward.

Wait! I need to…

Merlin was laughing. There was a brilliant flash of light.

Chapter 2 - The Hunter

The hunter crouched down next to the tree and examined the rope. He cocked his head questioning what he was seeing. Sure enough, the rope had been chewed clear through. The feeling of betrayal swept through him but was soon replaced by cold anger. This was a bad dog! Very bad. He cursed silently as he impatiently untied the remainder of the rope from the tree and shoved it into his jacket pocket. Examining the ground beyond the bounds of the dog’s tether, he soon spotted a few drops of blood leading off towards the lake. He picked up the bow. Carrying it in his left hand, he loped off in the direction of the water’s edge.

He was tall. A rail thin man, surprisingly agile. His face was long and bony set off with stark cheekbones. He had a shock of unruly dark hair that cut across his forehead. The sides of his mouth were permanently turned down. Right now his face was contorted like that of a young boy who has done something wrong. The hunter’s dad had taught his boys to be thorough and careful. Just because this was a bad dog was no excuse. The hunter stopped at the edge of the trees near the lake and looked around carefully. No sign of the dog and no sign of other people. He didn’t expect anyone to be around, but he had already made one mistake. Another one could start a landslide of events that could end up causing him a lot of grief. He stepped back into the trees and moved off to the left looking for more signs of the dog. He was soon rewarded with some crushed grass and more blood. The dog shouldn’t be able to move very fast, but he hadn’t expected it to chew through its rope either.

The hunter remembered sitting on the porch many years ago as his father instructed his two sons. "Practice, planning and patience. Those are the three things you need to remember. You boys practice with these bows, and when you get good enough, you can move on to the real ones. You can afford to make a mistake with these play ones, but you can’t afford a mistake with a fifty-pound bow. I don’t want to be cutting an arrow out of your brother’s leg, or chest. Now you make sure you can deal with these and we’ll go into Howard’s some day and get you the real thing. I’ll show you how to make the arrows.

It was getting late in the day and the shadows were lengthening towards the lake. There was a slight noise further back in the woods and the hunter swerved in that direction, all senses alert. He could hear his father again in the back of his head. You can’t even kill a rabbit. How do you expect to bring down a full-sized buck? He caught a glimpse of black in the brush and increased his speed as he pulled an arrow from his quiver and notched it into the deer-gut string. Damn, they were getting awfully close to the road.

There was another sound now. Unbelievably, someone was down by the lake starting a vehicle! The hunter cursed under his breath and swung to his right trying to head off the dog before it could make the road. He saw another flash of black