In empty places darkness lives; hidden in small towns citizens find themselves traversing tales that others know to be safely confined in storybooks. Mr. Edward opens bookstores in these hamlets, selling rare works and indoctrinating children into "The Program" for lessons in the art of writing. Despite his oddness there is something about the gentleman that demands enough respect and admiration from the locals and his proteges for him to quietly go about his business. Thomas, one of Mr. Edward's most promising pupils, admires and perhaps even loves the old man who nurtures his burgeoning...