Becoming Captain Torriegh

By James Quinlan Meservy

Nesvik lives in a world where men can only dream of freedom, but he will do anything to make it his reality.

 

 

 

Becoming Captain Torreigh is the prequel to a post-apocalyptic adventure. It was previously available in 'Iron Walls, A Burning Embers Dystopian Anthology.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Quinlan Meservy
• Release date: Jun 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201847241

Book preview

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to my editor, Dorcia Beland for working with me on yet another project. I want to shout out to Ariel Paiement and Rachel Pudsey for finding the time to review this story, and to Alicia Scarborough for the beautiful cover. Thank you to my lovely wife for taking time out of her schedule to review this story, and talking with me about ways to improve it.

Becoming Captain Torriegh

Copyright © 2022 by James Quinlan Meservy. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

Published by James Quinlan Meservy.

www.jqmserv.wordpress.com

Cover art: Alicia Scarborough

Editor: Dorcia Beland

I

Because your mother is no longer with us, I will stand in her place, the High Priestess of Double Top said.

Nesvik bowed his head. Yes, My Lady.

In his younger years, he would have been thrilled. Auntie Debbie was–but that was before she was anointed High Priestess Deborah, the Mouthpiece of God on High to the Women of Double Top.

You have nothing to fear, High Priestess said. God on High selected the ideal young woman to be your wife.

Thank you, High Priestess, and praise be to God on High for Her infinite wisdom, Nesvik mumbled. He fidgeted with his robes and avoided eye contact with High Priestess.

High Priestess placed a hand on Nesvik’s shoulder. Nesvik looked in her sea-green eyes and suppressed a shudder.

It is an honor for me to stand in for your mother. I know she is standing beside God on High, smiling down on you.

How? Nesvik said.

The High Priestess gestured to the sky. The sun is bright, and there is not a single cloud in the sky.

Nesvik turned his head to the heavens. He fought the urge to shield his eyes. The warmth of the sun filled his soul. He felt a breeze blow past his cheek. He imagined his mother kissing his cheek, like she did when–before God on High called on her to come home.

Nesvik held his breath. Sarytha’s mother climbed the podium stairs, escorting her daughter. Sarytha wore her best religious dress, a long-sleeved white dress that flowed down to her ankles. The small white gems sewn into Sarytha’s gown reflected the sun, giving Sarytha a heavenly glow.

She looks like an angel, High Priestess whispered.

Nesvik nodded his agreement.

Sarytha’s mother spoke with the same clear musical tone as her daughter. It is my pleasure to announce to God on High, High Priestess Deborah, and the village of Double Top–

Nesvik felt the urge to bite his fingernails, but he did not dare do so standing beside the High Priestess. Instead, he picked at his finger nails.

High Priestess looked down at his hands and gave him