http://slow.writerscafe.org/markcromer The original writings of author Mark Cromer en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776111513 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 Cade came awake slowly. He felt groggy and disoriented. For just amoment, he thought he was back in the hideout, but quickly realizedthat couldn't be the case. For one thing, he was being jounced up anddown mercilessly. For another, he saw only the steely grey of an opensky overhead. He pan.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394418/ Once the boys were tucked back into the hideout and bundled upagainst the night's cold, Cade and Whistle told the story of thedrowned man to Pole and Shine. Pole grinned and said, “Your first mistake was not going through his pockets.” Hethought for a moment and continued, &ld.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394414/ “You've never been to a Grand Remembrance?” Whistle asked. Hisvoice was incredulous. “They're great. Free food, lots of people...no one brings their coin pouch so it's not as good as it could be,but... Hell, even Pole goes!” “Isn't it...” Cade's voice tra.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394413/ A heavy autumn rain had come down in sheets all night. Although itwas only a drizzle by morning, more water than light was comingthrough the floor above and it made the hideout a dark, dreary placeto spend the day. Come afternoon, Cade couldn't stand it any longer.He stripped down to his br.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394411/ “That's him!” Cade hissed, nudging Whistle so hard that thesecond boy scowled and rubbed at his ribs in mock pain. Whistlelooked, and sure enough there was a clueless-looking boy about theirage walking, almost prancing, through the marketplace. They'd beenwatching for the boy fo.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394395/ Cade'sface grew hot, and his hands went numb and tingly as he saw the smallleather bag swinging from the boy's shoulder. It was his. Despitehaving seen a hundred similar purses in the two years since he'd losthis, he had never been so sure. He cut away from the crowd and triedto keep a cl.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394388/ Cade awoke as daybroke to the sound of a distant rooster's crow. All around him,people stirred as they prepared to go about making their way in theworld. He sat stiffly, rose to a hunch �" the bridge was low herenear the edge �" and made his way into the open with a .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394387/ Introduction to Cade http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394384/ Introduction to one of the main characters http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394382/ A young boy is discarded by his father, struggles as he rises through society, and becomes "someone." http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/markcromer/1394380/