The Sands of Borrowed Time
Jeffry Winters
Author Bio
Born on a wet and windy hill in South Wales, I decided to write a series of books called the Sands of Borrowed Time. Intrigued by what would happen if one was suddenly cast out into the wilderness, I embarked on a project exploring a group of characters who fight for their survival and freedom after the Earth has been devastated by a supernova blast.
During the day I work as a scientist, finding the time to write when I am on the train, in the park, or during sleepless nights. However, inspiration can come at anytime and anywhere and when it does, you need to grab it by the horns before it gets lost in the busy thoughts of the day! Write it down and turn it into a fascinating tale for people to get lost in and enjoy.
Description
It’s easy to cover up truth amidst chaos…
Those who survived the supernova blast fight for survival, the Earth devastated, its ozone layer destroyed.
Dusty storms rule the days while the nights freeze, taking civilization back to its knees.
Pockets of humans now exist in a dystopian society spread across the wilderness.
Friendships are difficult and just under the burning Sun, freedom uncertain as enemies lurk on the unforgiving highways.
Are these the struggles of a post-apocalyptic world or is something more sinister at work under the cover of misery and destruction?
Some are getting suspicious, and one has seen a glimpse of the truth…
Will the meek inherit the Earth?
Tales of survival that explore what it means to be free…
Book excerpt
We’re like three desperate mice, running north through the plains and storms, living off the scraps of those who have perished, our only inheritance their rotting flesh and clothes. Their possessions now covered in dust and strewn across the desert, having endured the test of time better than themselves, Kyla thought as they walked back to the buggy, through the once again deserted streets. The air was clearing as the storm moved northwards, the setting Sun in the East disappearing with a flash of golden light as the winds died to a gentle stir.
“Can’t trust anyone these days,” Demelza said nervously, still shaking as she looked around with paranoia written across her eyes. Kyla and Hayley said nothing, still deeply reminiscing the day’s events. “I mean, what was he hoping to gain?” she continued.
Apart from instant gratification, not a lot, Kyla thought as she saw his dark, staring eyes in her mind. That madness was beyond repair. There was no soul, no life in those eyes. He was already dead; his soul had jumped ship, petrified by the insanity of the captain.
“What will become of us? Will we become madmen also?” Demelza continued to rant.
Yes, what will become of us indeed as we wander north, not knowing what is around the next corner, every nerve constantly on edge. Is this what they call freedom? Kyla thought solemnly, are we experiencing bare reality as the animals do?
There were flashes of purple and blue across the North as lightning split the sky, the dry storm rumbling ever northwards.
“No one will protect us, Demelza,” Hayley said. “Not even God. We have to look out for ourselves, be wary, every step of the way.”
Yes, but wary makes us weary, until one day we will be so tired, so numb, that we want know who, or what is creeping up behind us, and then there will be nothing. Death will set us free. Kyla looked around thinking she had spoken out her feelings, but the others seemed oblivious to her thoughts. Until then, we must play every roll of the dice, like pawns of chance, but can we break its mighty will, to forge our own destiny, spit in the face of death and construct our own freedom?
“We have to have faith in ourselves,” Kyla said. “We have to believe there is a future, a good future waiting for us.”
“And if there’s not?” Demelza anxiously asked.
The poor girl looks so tired, like she’s ready to give up, Kyla thought before speaking again.
“Then we will have to create our own future. It sounds hard, but a little belief in ourselves can go a long way.”
“And what of the hoards and rapists, the faceless souls who want no future.”
“Then, they are lost. They think of themselves only. That is why they are afraid. The fools will defeat only themselves, eventually, like weeds dying back from overgrowth.”
Hayley hugged Demelza, “Come on, we got one, he wasn’t too difficult, was he?”
“I guess not,” Demelza replied, not looking too convinced.
“Be strong, be positive, have faith and everything will come our way, I promise,” Kyla said, also not too convinced, at least of her own philosophy. So easy to be the victim of your own delusions, merely being wishful when you’re blindly positive. There has to be some self-reflection, some cynicism, but then your left where you started, riddled with doubt and fear.
“We’re warriors now,” Hayley said, throwing her fist in the air. “Sovereign and strong.”
“Think of how much we can learn from their mistakes,” Kyla said, her eyes lighting up. “A constant reminder not to be like them, a boundary to bounce off, a way to keep our own sanity.”
“Yes!” Hayley exclaimed. “We don’t need to make apologies or feel guilty about these guys. If they want to take, then they need to go, plain and simple!” Demelza started to laugh, “Ok, I guess that’s our inevitable path, let’s see where it leads.”
Author Website
https://www.hazysundays.co.uk