‘I’ve traded my old enemies for just this one…’ The axe thundered home. ‘I miss the old ones.’From Man to Man is a short story by D.E.M. Emrys.
Every man has a past, none more so than Draven Reinhardt. Abandoning his old life to settle down as a villager, he struggles to fit in, let alone hold down a job. When opportunity offers the much needed coin, Draven is torn between a promise and a purpose.
But, what’s one last job if you’ve already got blood on your hands?
‘From Man to Man’ is the story of how one man can change – or not – for the best. Prequel to the upcoming novel ‘It Began With Ashes’, the short (6400 words) introduces the reader to a world of suspense, intrigue, and action.
Draven is a man with a past it seems. Even in the first few sentences you can tell that. And apparently it's one he's trying to forget. A few of the villagers have other plans for him though. They've got a job that needs doing and Draven is just the man to do it.
But should he do it?
The beginning had me guessing at Draven's previous occupation. I'd figured it wasn't something savory because of the internal struggle he faced just walking out the door. But you've got to give him credit for putting it behind him for the people that he cared about.
Thanks to the blacksmith we soon find out exactly what Draven used to do and it becomes incredibly clear why he wants to leave it behind. And why he can't. Why it seems to follow him no matter what job he chooses (or loses).
It all seemed to be going just a little too smoothly for my liking. But you know what they say, sometimes it's just too good to be true.
I enjoyed this. It was an extremely quick read and very easy to get through. I love the descriptions and the atmosphere of the whole story. Despite Draven's employment issues, he's a very likeable character. Even the villagers will surprise you. This is an introduction to his Wroge Elements series and I definitely look forward to reading what's to come.
