Fickle Hand of Destiny (eBook)

Bartholomew Renda (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
320 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
9798317800802 (ISBN)

Infos

Ali, a young scholar, finds his world turned upside down after his capture by slavers in the Sahara desert. Stripped of his freedoms and faced with unimaginable trials, Ali has to rely on his inner resolve as he struggles to return to the woman he left behind. Alongside the enigmatic Captain Riley, Ali wrestles with questions of faith and providence as they struggle toward freedom. Betrayals, shifting allegiances, and the echoes of a past that refuses to be buried lead him to the heart of the British Empire, where the ghosts of his past resurface in a final, devastating revelation-one that will challenge everything he thought he knew about love, loss, and the power of choice.

Bartholomew Renda was born in New York and raised in a middle-class Italian-Irish family. Drawn to a life of faith and discipline, he became a member of the Legionaries of Christ. Rather than joining the ministry, however, he chose a different path-one that led him to the U.S. Army. During his deployments to Germany, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, he immersed himself in literature; studying the works of Spanish, English, and Italian writers who shaped his understanding of history, destiny, and the human condition. A storyteller with a keen eye for the struggles and resilience of the human spirit, Renda's writing is infused with the weight of history and the depth of personal experience.

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A sweeping tale of survival, love, and fate set against the unforgiving sands of the Sahara and the turbulent corridors of history!Ali, a young scholar, finds his world turned upside down after his capture by slavers in the Sahara desert. Stripped of his freedoms and faced with unimaginable trials, Ali has to rely on his inner resolve as he journeys through the harsh landscapes of North Africa. His unyielding desire to return to Leila, the woman he left behind, haunts and sustains him. Alongside the enigmatic Captain Riley, Ali wrestles with questions of faith and providence as they struggle toward freedom. Betrayals, shifting allegiances, and the echoes of a past that refuses to be buried lead him to the heart of the British Empire, where his intellect becomes his greatest weapon. As Ali rises to prominence in British academia, the ghosts of his past resurface in a final, devastating revelation one that will challenge everything he thought he knew about love, loss, and the power of choice. Told with the lyrical depth of Thomas Hardy and the historical weight of "e;The Count of Monte Cristo,"e; "e;The Fickle Hand of Destiny"e; is a gripping tale of resilience and redemption. Will Ali escape the chains of his past, or has fate already written his story?

Textauszug

CHAPTER 1: The Gathering of Friends at Oakwood

The Oakwood Retreat, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Devonshire, England, stood as a bastion of rustic charm and natural beauty. Its ancient oaks and sprawling estate provided a serene backdrop for the solemn gathering of distinguished gentlemen on this somber evening in 1870. The day had been uncharacteristically warm for late autumn, with golden sunlight streaming through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the lush green lawn.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we convened in the drawing room of the Oakwood Retreat. The crackling fire cast a warm glow over the room, its flickering light dancing on the walls adorned with portraits of past generations. The scent of aged oak mingled with the aroma of spiced cider, creating an atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia.

I had the honor of being present at this gathering—a humble student of the late Professor Brown. My name is Hamza, and though I was older than most of the esteemed gentlemen in attendance, I had been invited to join them due to the close bond I shared with the professor in his final years. At fifty-five, I was a man of some experience, but I felt the weight of the occasion nonetheless. While my role was more that of an observer than an active participant, the gravity of the occasion and the presence of such illustrious figures left a deep impression on me.

The gathering was a tableau of illustrious figures from various walks of life. Rabbi Adler, with his distinguished beard and piercing eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages, engaged in animated conversation with Charles Spurgeon. Rabbi Adler’s tall, lean frame was draped in a black coat, worn yet dignified, giving him the air of a prophet from an ancient time. His voice, deep and resonant, carried the cadences of countless sermons delivered with fervor and insight.

Charles Spurgeon, the renowned preacher whose words had stirred the hearts of many, was a man of robust build, with a face that bore the lines of both joy and sorrow. His eyes twinkled with sharp intellect, and his mouth often curled into a knowing smile, as if privy to some divine jest. Spurgeon’s large, expressive hands gesticulated as he spoke, weaving the air with the passion of his convictions. He wore a well-tailored suit, dark and somber, befitting the gravity of his calling.

Nearby, Benjamin Jowett, the esteemed scholar, stood with an air of quiet authority. He was a man of medium height, with a face marked by the pallor of countless hours spent in scholarly pursuit. His piercing blue eyes seemed to see through to the very essence of a person, and his thin lips were often pressed together in a thoughtful line. Jowett’s attire was understated yet immaculate, reflecting the precision and discipline that characterized his life’s work. His presence commanded respect, not through force but through the sheer weight of his intellect.

Jamal ad-Din al-Afghani, a figure of intrigue and mystery, cut a striking figure in the room. Tall and imposing, with a flowing beard and eyes that sparkled with restless energy, he seemed a man apart, as if he carried with him the essence of distant lands and ancient secrets. Al-Afghani’s clothing was a blend of East and West, a long, dark robe adorned with a richly embroidered sash, hinting at his Persian heritage. His voice, when he spoke, was a melodic baritone, filled with the cadence of far-off places and the passion of his revolutionary ideals.

As we settled into our seats, a waiter gracefully traversed the room, refilling our glasses with fine wine and presenting trays of delicate hors d’oeuvres. The clinking of crystal and the murmur of voices filled the air, creating a symphony of sound that underscored the gravity of the occasion.

In the midst of this bustling scene, Thomas Carter, Professor Brown’s neighbor, rose to speak. His voice, tinged with the rustic accent of Devonshire, carried the weight of years of friendship and shared memories.

“I knew the old chap like I knew me own brother,” Thomas began, his words resonating with fondness and respect. “He was wise, he was, but he weren’t one for puttin’ on airs. Just a good, solid fella, ’e was. Always ’ad time for a chat, ’e did, even when ’e was off gallivantin’ about the Sahara or whatnot. Never forgot where ’e come from, that one. A true gentleman, through and through.”

Thomas paused, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “And then there was me cat, Farid. The professor used to call him that, after his old camel from his travels. Thought it was the funniest thing, he did. ‘Farid!’ he’d call out, like he was back in the Sahara. That cat was like family to him. He’d sit there, talking to Farid for hours, like the cat was a person. Sometimes, it seemed like he was back in those desert sands, reminiscing about old times. Oh, how he loved that cat.”

As Thomas spoke, his words transported us back in time to an England of quaint villages and rolling countryside, where the pace of life was slower, and the bonds of friendship ran deep.

The stories flowed freely as each guest shared their own memories of Professor Brown, recounting tales of his wit, wisdom, and kindness. Rabbi Adler spoke of their discussions on matters of faith and philosophy, while Charles Spurgeon regaled us with anecdotes of their spirited debates on theology.

Benjamin Jowett, known for his precise and thoughtful speech, spoke next. “I remember Professor Brown’s passion for uncovering the truth,” he began, his voice resonating with admiration. “His pursuit of knowledge knew no bounds, and his dedication to his scholarly pursuits was unmatched. I recall one particular occasion at Oxford when he delivered a lecture on the ancient texts of Mesopotamia. His insights were profound, and his ability to illuminate the mysteries of the past left a lasting impression on all who were present.”

As Benjamin spoke, his words painted a vivid picture of Professor Brown’s intellectual curiosity and thirst for understanding. His recollection offered a glimpse into the academic world that Professor Brown had inhabited, where ideas were exchanged and discoveries were made in pursuit of truth.

And as we listened to Benjamin’s tale, I couldn’t help but marvel at the impact Professor Brown had made on the world around him. His legacy lived on in the hearts and minds of those who had been touched by his brilliance and kindness.

John Riley, the grandson of Captain Riley, had journeyed from the bustling town of Middletown, Connecticut, crossing the wide Atlantic to pay homage to the man whose work had so profoundly touched his life. John brought with him the robust air of the New World, his presence a testament to the far-reaching influence of Professor Brown’s legacy. His broad shoulders and weathered hands spoke of a life filled with hard work and perseverance. His deep brown eyes held a spark of determination and an echo of the frontier spirit.

John began, his voice steady and imbued with the earnestness of youth. “My grandfather’s account of the shipwreck of the Commerce and the subsequent ordeal of the survivors had left a profound impression on me. Professor Brown’s writings on the subject brought to light the horrors of slavery and inspired a generation of abolitionists, including those in my own family.”

As John spoke, his words painted a vivid picture of the suffering endured by those who had been held captive by ruthless slave traders. He described the sweltering heat of the African sun, the stench of the crowded hold, and the cries of anguish that echoed across the deck.

“And yet,” John continued, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight, “the professor always found hope in the darkest places. His words breathed life into the past and carried forward the torch of justice. His dedication to truth and humanity transcended oceans and borders, reaching even our home in Connecticut.”

As we listened to his harrowing account, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who had fought to end the scourge of slavery. Their legacy lived on in the words and deeds of men like Professor Brown, whose tireless efforts had helped shape the course of history.

But the night was far from over. As the embers of the fire continued to smolder and the shadows lengthened across the room, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. For the manuscript that lay before us held the promise of a tale yet untold—a narrative of intrigue, adventure, and redemption.

With bated breath, we settled in to listen as the words of Ali, our beloved Professor Brown, filled the room with their haunting melody. His story, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope, would guide us on a journey through the deserts of the Western Sahara and the corridors of academia.

For in the tale of Ali lay the key to unlocking the secrets of our shared humanity, illuminating the path to a brighter, more enlightened future.

As the stars twinkled in the night sky and the moon cast its silvery glow upon the earth, we embarked on a journey of discovery—a journey that would forever change the course of our lives.

Before the reading of Ali’s life, Thomas rose once more, a solemn expression on his weathered face. His hands trembled slightly as he unfurled a crumpled piece of parchment, its edges frayed with age.

“In...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 24.4.2025
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror
• ISBN-13: 9798317800802 / 9798317800802