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Ancient Mariners

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Summary

A dark, slightly paranormal, coming-of-age novel for adults and mature YA. The making of a killer. Ancient Mariners is a dark coming-of-age novel for adults and mature young adults. Beth, 14, and her crewmate, Silas, 45, have lost their families to violence. They sail the S Pacific, seeking solace for their grief. But Death has a task for them. When Beth's best friend joins her in Australia, followed by her abusive father, Beth and Silas discover where Death's journey is leading them. “I thought we were spared for the events fourteen days after my sixteenth birthday. When I killed my first man." - Beth, 16. Beth and Silas enjoy a beautiful tropical night aboard some new friends' yacht. Until it goes bad and Beth has no choice but to make her first kill.

Status
Complete
Chapters
22
Rating
5.0 2 reviews
Age Rating
16+

PRESENT DAY

San Diego, CA

On a beautiful clear day under a stiff breeze Montegar, a forty foot sailboat, rigged and equipped for bluewater sailing, slips into San Diego Bay past the Harbor Police office on the tip of Shelter Island.

Silas Tufts, forty-six, handsome, weathered and hardened, sits behind the helm. His movements sure, he looks only ahead.

Beside him, Beth Portman, recently eighteen, stands easy, hand on his shoulder. Exuding confidence, she, too, only looks ahead. They had no need to talk. They’d lived and sailed together for four years, they each knew what to do. And after the events of that morning, what was there to say?

No use looking back. There’s no family or friends to wave goodbye to. This is not our home anymore, and it’s likely we’ll never be back. The last four years Death prepared Silas and I for this day, for this morning. It’s said that bad memories prepare you for life. If so, we’re ready. If I hadn’t met Silas, I wouldn’t have any memories any different than an ordinary eighteen-year-old girl. Even so, if I hadn’t met Silas, there’s a good chance I’d be dead. Funny how things work out.”

Beth Portman

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author

Hey there!

I just finished reading your story and… wow. I’m honestly still thinking about it. Your writing pulled me right in, the characters, the emotions, the atmosphere, it all felt so real and immersive.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but picture it as a comic. The way you build scenes and tension? It would shine with visuals. I’m a freelance artist, and I specialize in turning powerful stories like yours into vivid, emotionally-driven comics. I’d be beyond excited to collaborate with you and bring your world to life on the page.
No pressure at all! I just wanted to reach out in case this is something you’ve ever thought about. If you're curious or just wanna chat more about the idea, feel free to hit me up anytime on
Discord : Lizziedoesitall
Thanks again for creating such an incredible story. Truly inspiring stuff.
Hope to talk soon!

Warmly,
Lizzie

a year