I’ve returned to the rewrites for The Lost Son (Socendor 2, formerly Socendor 1). After the good bit of writing today, it’s very clear the story is now VASTLY different from the original version published years ago with Samhain Publishing as Mychael Black. So, that said, if you read the Secrets of Socendor series back then, rest assured, they are ALL going to be different books. The core premise is the same, but the timeline is shifted, and the plot is going along in ways I honestly never expected. Such is the way when writing. Books take on lives of their own. In this new version, Kalen and Micheil are not yet lovers. In fact, their relationship borders on the icy side of ‘acquaintance.’
Below is a little bit of what I did today…
“Kalen!”
Kalen smiled and embraced the only mother he’d ever known. Outside the small, two-room home, the sounds of metal on metal and sizzling water echoed through an open window. Kalen joined his mother at the table that dominated the main room. He’d sat here all his life, always watching her bustle around. He recalled spending a good bit of his youth helping his father in the smithy.
When she turned to face him, though, her expression was one of concern. “What is it, son? You’re not unwell, are you?” She placed a bowl of stew in front of him, along with a mug of ale. Then she joined him with her own.
“Who brought me to you?”
His mother stared down into her own bowl, giving the stew a few good stirs with her spoon. “His name is Micheil.”
So it was true.
“He told me as much,” Kalen said. “I guess I just didn’t quite believe him.”
She met his gaze. “He has always been a friend, trustworthy, gentle, kind.”
Kalen snorted and ate a spoonful of stew. “Are we talking about the same guy?”
“Micheil is an elf, yes, but he and his sister have always treated us with respect and kindness.”
“Did he say anything when he brought me here?”
“No,” she said. “And we didn’t ask. We trust him, as much now as we did then.”
“Was he around much, while I was growing up?”
She ate for a moment, taking long enough that Kalen wasn’t sure she’d answer. Finally, she did. “He was. All he would tell us was that he had a duty to protect you. He’d made a promise, and he is a man of his word.” She sighed and looked at Kalen. “Why are you asking?”
Kalen had no idea how to answer. “We’ve had a few… run-ins. He told me how I got here, but not why. Did he tell you anything at all?”
“Micheil carries a strong sense of duty, Kalen. He also is adamant about keeping his secrets. I don’t know where you came from, but it doesn’t matter. We love you. Micheil knew we couldn’t have children, so he blessed us with you.”
The more Kalen found out about the elven sorcerer, the more conflicted he felt. He decided to let the subject drop and instead focused on his mother, father, and how they were faring. Soon, his father joined them, giving Kalen’s hand a strong shake. By the time they finished eating, it was well into the late afternoon.
“I need to get to the keep and brief the king.”
“Kalen,” his mother said, resting her hand on his. “Please be careful. We’ve all heard the stories. The new Koleri king may not be Breasal, but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous.”
“I will.”
He kissed her cheek, shook his father’s hand once more, and stepped out — only to find himself face to face with the object of his turbulent thoughts.
“I thought I might find you here.” Micheil held a bundle of flowers wrapped in parchment. “Your mother asked me to bring these by.”
Kalen blocked him from entering. “Why did you bring me here?”
Micheil sighed. He gestured toward the house. “May I give these to Myra? Then we can talk.”
Kalen stepped aside and waited while Micheil went into the house. He couldn’t hear what was said, but Micheil returned soon enough.
“Have you spoken with Andrion yet?”
“No.”
Micheil nodded. “I’ll deal with any issues. I think you deserve some answers.”
Kalen couldn’t agree more. He followed Micheil to the tavern down the road, the one most of the commonfolk frequented but not as popular with the military. For that, Kalen was grateful.
Kalen sat while Micheil ordered them both ales. When Micheil joined him at the table, Kalen struggled to look the elf in the eye. Every moment seemed to chisel away more of Kalen’s resolve.
Micheil waved his right hand, and the room seemed to shimmer.
“What did you do?”
“Gave us a bit of privacy. We can be seen but not easily heard. What I’m going to tell you must never be repeated.”
Katherine Cook 