Storm

by Halliwell Sutcliffe

"Storm" by Halliwell Sutcliffe is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a rugged, rural landscape marked by ancient traditions and struggles against the so-called Lost Folk, a group known for their thievery and violence. The central character, Hardcastle, the Master of Logie, confronts both physical adversaries and deep-rooted fears as he grapples with his lineage’s legacy while facing the challenges presented by a notorious village and his own inner turmoil. The opening of "Storm" introduces Hardcastle as he makes his way home through misty, autumn-tinged highlands filled with the weight of history. As he approaches the village of Weathersett, he remembers the tales of the Lost Folk, who have long terrorized local farmers. After a tense encounter with three gaunt men representing this faction, he manages to fight them off, marking the beginning of a conflict that will ripple through his community. Simultaneously, the narrative weaves in the lonelier journey of a pedlar named Donald and his daughter, Causleen, who find themselves entangled in the growing tensions at Logie. This intertwining of lives amid a backdrop of myth and reality sets the stage for a gripping tale of pride, fear, and the looming threat of war with the Lost Folk.