Creator's NoteAn introduction to the planet of Cigam, The Forgotten Winter is narrated by a native and told through thejournals of a boy from Earth. It is the first book from the Sugar City Archives § and the first part of thetrilogy Alba Lands which spans from Cigam to Earth, then beyond. Written mainly in English, some partsare a composition of Scots (mostly Lallans) - a dying Anglic language of Scotland - constructed with slang, dialects and other forgotten tongues of the land. While understanding the Scottish is not inherent to thestory a translation link is provided should you require. But if you know as little as Alba then you canexperience his plight.The intended way to read the series is with background musical accompaniment (mostly instrumental: Electronic & Classical). This is not for everyone of course, but if you wish then find the recommendedtrack and link before each chapter (via YouTube). If the exact track is missing you can use somethingsimilar. For both musical and visual accompaniment visit Zomgbat.Wordpress.com (Original tracks &artwork to follow)You may be hitherto thinking that this is not the story or genre for you. If so, remember that much more ispossible than you know. For example, there are already more stars in the observable universe than grainsof sand on Earth. Or that a certain species of jellyfish is immortal. Our world is so tiny, and there are suchpowerful things beyond it.BlurbI'm Alba but... I'm not the person I used to be. These days I go by the moniker Zephnai Choirs and for the life of me, I don't know why. At a guess it's something to do with these nagging parochial voices that shriek through my head with every silence. A symptom of being lost in space perhaps. Although it wasn't always like this, it was never like this. What happened to me?I'm from Earth, well, my parents were from there. I've never set foot on it myself and I doubt I ever will. My whole life has been lost in the nothingness: flying through galaxies, exploring planets and chasing stars. I know it sounds incredible but that's all I've ever known. Stranded on a spaceship that I call work and home, forced to seek a lost world and destined to be alone. It's beginning to get to me, in fact, it's killing me.One day a crimson dawn wakes and on the brink of breakdown my ship comes alive. A new galaxy greets us, and inside, the wonder and relief of the most serene, blue planets calls my name. It needs to be the place we've been looking for, the fresh start we so desperately crave. I disembark to discover what should be an alien world but so much is familiar...Another time, another world yet so familiar...The boy from Earth will encounter many thing alas the most fateful will be an ashen-faced, golden-haired girl. A volatile, ethereal native who is the first sign that Alba is closer to home than once thought. Far from a stereotypical alien she wears a blue Kappa tracksuit and speaks a basic grasp of English and Scots. She sends the mind of Captain Choirs reeling. As well as his heart pounding.Powerful, gorgeous, bold, her name is Crystaligicx.In the midst of a crippling plague, she must save our boy. And then our worlds.