⚓ A Glimpse Into The Seven — Chapter One: “Departure”

I’ve been so excited to finally share a small piece of my upcoming YA fantasy novel The Seven, with you all. This excerpt comes from the opening chapter, where we first meet Darby Stephans, a shy and curious ten-year-old boy whose life is about to change forever.

On a spring morning in Liverpool, Darby boards the HMS Strafford with his family, unaware that this voyage will set everything in motion. What begins as a hopeful journey across the Atlantic will eventually become something much bigger than he ever imagined.

✨ Excerpt from Chapter One — “Departure”

On a bright spring morning, a ten-year-old boy eagerly followed his parents through the bustling streets of Liverpool. Darby Stephans and his family were bound for the colonies aboard the HMS Strafford, leaving behind their hometown of Westchester in search of a fresh start. Though no one had explained the decision fully to him, Darby had overheard enough hushed conversations to understand that his parents were restless. He suspected it was equal parts bad memories and political tension. His mother, especially, still struggled to remain in the place where she had lost a child. He often caught her staring blankly at familiar corners of their home, her body present but her mind elsewhere...

The creak of wooden planks beneath his boots snapped Darby from his thoughts as they reached the docks. Excitement swelled in his chest, but so did an unexpected tightness. The realization that the voyage might stretch on for two or three long months left him uneasy. As if sensing this, Alexander, his eight-year-old brother, slipped a small hand into his. Darby looked down to find him smiling, and felt the tension ease from his shoulders. He squeezed back in silent thanks…

Shouts echoed across the deck as sailors rushed about, ropes thudding and sails snapping in the wind. But Darby barely heard any of it. He stood still, watching the shoreline shrink as the ship began to pull away. This was the last time he would see England. The thought lodged itself in his chest—a quiet, steady weight.

Life always brings change, he told himself. Might as well get used to it.

🖋 Author’s Note

This is one of my favorite parts of the book because it’s the moment Darby’s world shifts from something familiar to something unknown. His story begins with a journey, both literal and emotional. His curiosity and quiet courage are at the heart of his character—and this departure scene sets that tone for everything that follows.

💬 Let’s Talk!

What do you think about Darby’s first steps into the unknown? Would you have felt excitement, fear, or both if you were in his shoes?

Comment below with your thoughts — and if you want more behind-the-scenes updates, follow along here on The Quill or on TikTok @manda.may717 for upcoming sneak peeks and writing updates.

"May your quill never run dry." –Manda May