Lanterns in the Night: Rochester's Eternal Flame

By J.N. Love

Lanterns in the Night: Rochester's Eternal Flame

In the heart of Rochester, secrets of a mystical nature bubble just beneath the surface. When Jim, a simple townsperson, becomes inadvertently entangled in an age-old prophecy, he's plunged into a hidden world of magic that's been brewing for centuries. As two sorcerers vie for power, the fates of both the magical and human realms hang in the balance. Amidst this chaos, the mysterious Janet emerges, holding the key to a profound love and sacrifice that could reshape the destinies of all involved. As Rochester's shadows intertwine with starlight, 'Lanterns in the Night' unfolds a tale of love, destiny, and the undying spirit of sacrifice, where legends are born and the glow of one woman's sacrifice lights the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.N. Love
• Release date: Oct 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215593912

J.N. Love

Navigating effortlessly between the realms of fantasy and the intricate labyrinths of thriller and mystery, "Josh" has held readers spellbound for more than a decade with his rich and immersive tales. Born amidst the rugged landscapes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Josh's childhood amidst age-old legends and whispered tales of old kindled an early passion for stories that meld the magical with the mysterious.Josh's travels around the globe have added depth and nuance to his narratives, combining universal myths with his unique interpretive spins.His fantasy tales often draw inspiration from his African roots, blending age-old myths with fresh narrative innovations. In contrast, his thriller and mystery tales dive into the intricacies of human psyche, weaving plots that are both perplexing and enthralling.When not lost in his imaginative worlds, Josh retreats to his mountainside abode, indulging in his love for astronomy and spending evenings with his trusty dog, Atlas. Dive deeper into Josh's worlds.

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Lanterns in the Night:

Rochester's Eternal Flame

J.N. Love

R.B. Publishers

Copyright © 2023 R.B. Publishers

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Lanterns in the Night:

Rochester's Eternal Flame

Chapter 1:

The Sandman’s Wake

In the embrace of a shadowy night, Rochester streets whispered secrets, bearing testament to tales from an epoch long past. The gibbous moon peeked through the darkly painted skies, casting a pale, silvery glow that barely reached the cobblestones below. Each dwelling, every townhouse and alley, wore a cloak of undisturbed serenity; as if the city itself had succumbed to the gentle lull of the Sandman.

But in a quaint apartment overlooking the heart of the town, Jim Rutgers defied the universal call to slumber. His silhouette, framed by the dim light of a lone lamp, displayed his slightly tousled hair and glasses that perpetually sat askew on his nose. The air was thick with the smell of burnt midnight oil and the distinct aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Jim, a creature of habit and nocturnal by profession, relished the quiet hours. He believed that when the world slept, his thoughts flowed freer, unburdened by the cacophony of daylight.

His fingers rhythmically tapped on his old typewriter, narrating tales of far-off lands, heroes, and forgotten lore. An unfinished manuscript lay beside him, its pages scattered like fallen autumn leaves. Each page was a testament to Jim's ceaseless battle with writer's block. But tonight, distraction came not from the written word but from the world outside.

From his window, an unusual scene began to unfold. At first, it appeared like a dance—two figures, ethereal and almost ghost-like, locked in an embrace. But as Jim squinted, adjusting his glasses, the nature of their interaction became evident. This was no dance; it was a duel.

One was dressed in flowing white robes, illuminating the night with an aura of pure light. The other, the antithesis, was shrouded in black, seemingly absorbing all the moonlight that dared cross its path. Their battle was silent but for the occasional sizzle and pop as bolts of raw energy flew, grounding themselves on the street below, casting fleeting, electric blue shadows.

Jim's breath caught as he watched, spellbound. The black-clad figure was relentless, its moves calculated, radiating a malevolent confidence. The one in white, though equally skilled, fought with a desperate energy, as if the fate of the world rested upon this very duel. With every move and countermove, with every spell and parry, the dance of fate continued. But, inevitably, the figure in black, with a swift, unseen motion, struck the final blow.

The street was bathed in an intense white light, forcing Jim to shield his eyes. When he dared look again, the figures were gone. The cobbles lay as they were—mute, cold, and unyielding. The only remnants of the ethereal clash were scorched marks and a lingering electric tang in the air.

For a moment, Jim simply stared, trying to comprehend the phantasmagorical vision he'd just witnessed. Am I going mad? he whispered, his voice filled with trepidation. He ran a hand through his hair, its salt-and-pepper strands a testament to his many sleepless nights.

He turned, seeking solace in another sip of his now lukewarm coffee, but instead, his gaze fell upon Janet. She lay nestled on their worn-out couch, a book resting open on her chest, her rhythmic breathing proof of her deep slumber. She looked so peaceful, untouched by the nocturnal oddities of Rochester. The golden light from the lamp painted her face with soft warmth, emphasizing the contrast between her dark hair and porcelain skin. A smile tugged at Jim's lips; even in sleep, she managed to steal his breath away.

Janet, he whispered, brushing a stray lock behind her ear. You won't believe what just happened.

But she murmured something incoherent and snuggled deeper into the couch, lost to the world. Jim chuckled. Of course, you're the sensible one, he mused aloud, moving towards the kitchen. "Always said