A Girl From Nowhere

by James Maxwell

  “Where are we going to camp?” Lars called from behind.

  Taimin glanced over his shoulder to meet the older man’s dark eyes. “I know a path down the cliffs,” he replied. “We’ll find water in one of the caves at the bottom. There’s just something I want to see first.”

  “Think it’s worth making a try for one of those raptors?” Vance asked. Walking behind Lars, he had his gaze fixed on one of the distant trees filled with squawking birds. Like every member of the group, his skin was weathered and his clothing was dusty. Yet, as always, his beard and moustache were neatly trimmed. He held a fine composite bow and used every available opportunity to try his skill.

  “There’s better hunting below,” Taimin said.

  “Are you sure we shouldn’t go there now?” Ruth tried to avoid looking at Taimin’s leg. “We’re all tired.”

  “I have to see this first.”

  Time passed as Taimin led the group of five away from the cliffs and past a field of rocks strewn across the landscape. As his foot ached and shoulders groaned from carrying his pack, he climbed up a low hill. Selena would be the first to join him. It would be a few minutes before the others neared.

  While he waited for her, he blinked sweat out of his eyes and turned to gaze at the horizon, away from the cliffs, where the sky shifted from blue to become an angry strip of red. For a time he looked toward the firewall. He now knew what he hadn’t known then, that on the other side of the barrier the wasteland ended, and the world became green and filled with life.

  Selena climbed the low hill to join him and he faced forward once more. Together they took in a somber sight: the ruins of a homestead, with a ditch laid in a square around a broken fence. Within the fence were a few dry, withered plants, and the charred timbers of what had once been a house. The elements had taken their toll. It didn’t look like a place that had once been filled with love and laughter.

  “This is it,” Taimin said without looking at Selena. “This is where I grew up.”

  He was lost for a few moments in memory. It felt like such a long time since his parents had told him stories and his aunt had raised him to survive.

  Selena reached out and took his hand. “It must be strange to return,” she said softly.

  “It is strange,” he said. “This now feels like the middle of nowhere.” He cleared his throat. “I’m still glad I came.” He slowly inhaled, and then let out a deep breath. He remembered his aunt, telling him that one day he might want to find love, and that sometimes people just fit together. He turned toward Selena, the woman standing beside him.

  “Perhaps, in a way, this is nowhere,” Selena said, indicating the entire wasteland. “The real world might be on the other side of the firewall.”

  Taimin fixed his eyes on the distant horizon. “This time, we’re going to get there together.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  My utmost thanks to everyone at 47North and United Agents who has been so supportive throughout all stages of the publishing process, with special mention to my editor, Jack, and agent, Robert.

  Eternal gratitude to Ian, for helping make sense of my crazy ideas. I’d also like to credit Jon’s help with early development, and my amazing readers: Amanda, Amy, Nicole, Candida, Estrid, Sandra, and Rosa.

  Thanks to all of you who have reached out to me and taken the time to post reviews of my books.

  Boundless recognition must go to my wife, Alicia. We share these dreams together.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo © 2015 Anna Niman

  James Maxwell grew up in the scenic Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and was educated in Australia. Devouring fantasy and science-fiction classics from an early age, his love for books led to a strong interest in writing. He attended his first workshop with published authors at the age of eleven, and throughout his twenties he continued to develop the epic fantasy story he would one day bring to life.

  The internationally bestselling four books of The Evermen Saga were published with 47North in 2014. James soon followed with his second series, The Shifting Tides, a sweeping tale of adventure, intrigue, and magic.

  A Girl From Nowhere is the first title in his latest series, The Firewall Trilogy, with the sequel, A World of Secrets, out in 2020.

  James lives in London with his wife and daughter. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys French cooking, acoustic guitar, and long walks in the English countryside.

  For free books and to learn about new releases, sign up at www.jamesmaxwell.com.