William Hyllside

What if a dark ageless man's vision of a red comet announced the end of the old world in the Fiji islands? What if that red comet was but a sign for the future arrival of gun fire and redheads, such as the troubled teenager Peter Dillon, struggling with his identity in an unpoverished Ireland?

In 1799's India, a British soldier, George Wilson, is shot at the battle of Seringapatam. It will trigger a series of events that will change the lives of many people, amongst whom a war-weary Scottish soldier, Anthony Burnside, along with Ganesh, a small Indian boy who is forced on a journey across the ocean aboard the Earl Abergavenny, a ship of the British East India Company bound for Canton on her way back to England.

In China, they will start their trading adventure and meet unexpected people, such as Kalle Svensson, a bored Swedish carpenter, Sek Seoifaa, a brave Cantonese fisherwoman, or Luis Santos, a Philippine merchant with many connections.

Meanwhile, in the shire of Sasa on Vhanua Levu, 16-years-old Vhasemada is experiencing silent talks and visions of an imminent danger coming from outside. Supported by her step-brother and only friend Na'ngarase, the Great Earl's son, she will need to make tough decisions to increase her mana and gain freedom for herself in a traditional and violent society.

Built on several years of historical research, A DUSKY MESSENGER is an introduction to the complex interdependent world History of the early 19th century. The story follows the interwoven fates of historical and fictional characters, dynamically hopping from one story line to another and drawing a magical realistic perspective to portray ancient cultures of the South Pacific. The story will appeal to readers of historical fiction and fantasy – and to anyone who loves adventure, travel and epic saga.