EXCERPT

Part 1

Chapter 1 

An Exceptionally Ordinary Man

“To most, he was under-ordinary; a man of little consequence to his people.”

~ From The Second Gift Giver Chronicles compiled by Erwin Albowyn, a Chronicler

of the Master Construct, Second Order, an alfargnym of Unterbaum

Present Day

On a warm early summer’s day on the bustling streets of New York City, people avoided one another with the skill that only New Yorkers possess. Among the hustle and bustle, one unmoving figure kept watch over a seemingly ordinary human.

Mercurio stood on the sidewalk, busy humans rushing around him. Most of them towered above him, but he was used to that. In some cases, if he wanted to blend in without using his cloak, he could hide among human children. But not today. Today he needed to be unnoticed. The elf stood silent and observing, an unseen watcher hidden in a shroud of magic; the familiar energy of his Veil Cloak surged over his body. The surrounding magic united with his aura and weaved the light around him, making the armor-clad elf invisible to the humans that passed him by. They were completely unaware of his presence, yet they avoided contact with him as if they knew he was there. The cloak’s secondary enchantment acted as a deflector, repelling the

humans at a subconscious level, causing them to move around him like a river flowing around a large rock.

With humans darting all around him, the elf’s eyes focused on his target; a young male sitting on a bench, reading a book. He’d observed this human for weeks and was convinced that this one was indeed worthy of the calling.

This ordinary, plump twenty-eight-year-old man appeared average by most human standards. Perhaps even below average. Jeremy Goodson wore eyeglasses. His round cheeks and belly indicated he ate more than he should. The mustard stain on his blue collared shirt confirmed that conclusion. His brown khaki pants were wrinkled. Was this because he didn’t make and care for his own clothing? He did live alone.

Curious. 

About Steven A. Guglich:

Steven A. Guglich grew up in New York City. He lives in Williston, North Dakota with his wife, his four children, and his collection of books. He is an Elementary School Principal and is the 2020 North Dakota Principal of the Year.

In 2022, he and his wife launched Your Wildest Dreams Publishing, LLC to fulfil a dream born in the imagination of Steven’s Dad, Stanley and to publish Steven’s books. 

For more information on Steven’s books, please visit Steven’s website.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of PIERCING THE VEIL, US Only.

Ends April 15th, midnight EST.

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

Week Two: