Shadow Skies

By R C Ducantlin

Shadow Skies: A Struggle for Survival in a Shattered World

 

Amidst the ruins of a once-great civilization, a man fights to protect his clan in a world ravaged by a catastrophe. The air is thick with dust, the stench of death, and the missing sun is a cruel reminder of the world's downfall.

 

Few survive, hardened by the harsh realities of this new world. We cling to a glimmer of hope, desperate for a better tomorrow. The fight for survival uncovers the true monsters lurking in the depths of humanity. The true enemy may not be the dangerous landscape but the darkness within.

 

For those who crave enthralling storytelling and the resilience of humanity, "Shadow Skies" is a must-read. But beware, for the journey ahead is treacherous and full of unexpected twists.

 

Excerpt

 

"This descent into darkness began just blocks from where my grandmother was killed. Our lives are now a constant struggle for survival, with no joy or optimism in sight. But we must rebuild and reclaim what was lost. Can we truly overcome the odds?"

 

"Through determination, we will push forward. We must eliminate the dangers lurking in the shadows if our species is to thrive again. Our guides are Hope and Moira. They give us the strength to keep us going. Deep down, I believe the sky, once blue in my childhood, yearns to return."

 

Join us on a journey of resilience and determination in "Shadow Skies," a post-apocalyptic short story masterpiece by the unparalleled R C Ducantlin.

 

Praise for Shadow Skies

 

"Many stories "tell" or "describe" to us what a post-apocalyptic experience might be like allowing us to safely digest the experience from the comfort of our living room chairs. Not so with this new piece by R C Ducantlin. "Death Hunts the Weak" drops us right into the action, forces us to experience the apocalypse firsthand, and doesn't let up." – Steven A.

 

P.S. As always, we sincerely cherish your insightful feedback.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R C Ducantlin, Ltd.
• Release date: Dec 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781949211818

R C Ducantlin

Fortunately, in secondary school, my interest in reading was sparked. A close friend and an instructor, who took interest in a boy he later called ‘The rebel without a clue.,’ were instrumental in my learning the value of a good book. Both piqued my interest in reading. My lifelong friend inspired me to read J.R.R. Tolkien and I became addicted to the fantasy genre. The instructor required I read interesting historical novels for academic credit. Frank Norris, Leon Uris, and Ken Follett are inspirations and fuel my love of history. Born to a military family, it was logical that I follow the military tradition. However, after four years of “yes sirs” and scraping the wax off floors I decided there must be more fun in a corporate career. Thirty plus years of work experiences across the globe, the corporate career landed me in Colorado, where I live with my wife and I can be close to my children and grandchildren.

Book preview

Idyllic

A person in gas masks walking in a city. © R. C. Ducantlin, Ltd.

I watch the backs of our nine-person fire team edge away from delivering death. We are an attack team, and we are fierce. Fierce. The alternative is death. It is our hope there are others still in the fight, but we do not know. There were eight billion people before the invaders came. We want to think others remain in the war. But, as far as we know, we are alone. We are the last of the resistance.

Today, Moira was on point. First in line — the most venerable position. I assumed her regular duty guarding the rear. A tinge of purple hung over the night sky when we found them. We pinned the enemy in a convenience store.

When the shooting stops, we always wait quietly for the night to end. The ever-present clouds are tinted blue when the rising sun brings the light. Not the daylight as it was before, but not the dark of night.

In the small store, the enemy is gone. Either they ran away, or they are dead. Dreven blood is red like ours. We are careful not to step in the blood. There is always blood. Anticipation, our friend, failed us. Hope stabbed us in the heart. There were only empty shelves to fill our bellies.

It requires a whole day to make our way home without being seen. We return in silence to the tunnels, safety, and another day of life. I order half of the fire team to rest and eat half a ration before I move away — I don't mind standing guard.

⁂ ⁂ ⁂

Tomás always approaches from behind. I recognize the pace of his footsteps on the rooftop. We no longer think of days. I miss the sun and the night stars. We count our life's passage as cycles. One cycle is the sky changing from blue to purple and back to blue. The clouds are no longer white. They have a blue tint that is often dark and almost purple. Under a purple night sky, our ragged black uniforms hide us well.

The gold trim is deliberately faded and dull.

We are the Black and Gold clan.

We are the last.

A group of people wearing gas masks and holding guns in a tunnel. © R. C. Ducantlin, Ltd.

Looking up, I see Tomás' covered face. Unusual for Tomás, behind his Goggles and his Breather, my friend's eyes are unreadable. Without a word, Tomás takes my place.

Before I could leave the rooftop, my friend asked me about Chyra. I see the twinkle in his eyes but ignore the question. Tomás knows that Moira has given permission.

Soon, Chyra will make a choice.

Tomás knows without more food, we are facing death — which is why his eyes turn firm. I miss seeing the stars. Another shift ends under the purple darkness, and I return to the tunnels and the others — and Moira. A half ration and sleep are my rewards for another cycle of life.

A person wearing a gas mask and standing watch. © R. C. Ducantlin, Ltd.