This is a brief prologue to the novella, The Mantis King. The prologue gives background information that, though not essential to the novella, provides details for the interested reader. We learn some of the history of Wizards and Norns, as well as that of Nivian, the Lady of the Lake. We also learn of the creation of the invincible army of the Green Warrior Women.Flora Richmond announced to the school her pending retirement as a grade six teacher. On her way home that Friday, she made her usual stop at a local 7-Eleven to buy her weekly lotto 649 ticket. She used the same numbers each week, bought them from the same ticket seller, and on her way to her car she gave ten dollars to the same homeless man she had done so for the past year. She arrived home expecting the same Friday night ritual of pizza, some wine and movie with her husband. Between the time he arrived home with his own retirement plans, until ten days latter when she survived a gangland style shootout at an abandoned farm in Northern Ontario, her retirement life was permanently altered. After her car—and a winning lottery ticket— is stolen, Flora, the ticket seller and the homeless man chase two car thieves from Toronto to North Bay. The thieves have complications of their own. And the homeless man and the ticket sellers have secrets of their own. Together they find adventure, friendship and even love.

Pevan has caught up to the fugitive Van Raighan. The thief offers her a deal: he'll reveal his secrets to her if she goes with him to the Second Realm before she turns him in.It's a dangerous bargain, but Pevan's beginning to learn that Van Raighan's dark reputation may be undeserved. He may only be a puppet of far stranger forces, forces that care nothing for mankind.Funnier than Kelly’s Heroes, darker in places than Catch-22, and more irreverent than M*A*S*H, this satirical WW I Royal Flying Corps memoir will leave the reader in stitches and historians shaking their heads. The most aggressive pilot wins. Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker racks up quite a score, and it's not just enemy aircraft either, for the tall and heavily decorated Will Tucker. He likes the ladies and they like him. The fact that he flies against the Red Baron and lives to write his memoirs is just a bonus.

This eleventh volume of the Stan Turner Mysteries features legal sleuths Stan Turner and Paula Waters, but including for the fist time, Jodie Marshall, their new associate who has worked her way up from secretary to trial attorney. While Paula works a triple homicide and Jodie defends a good samaritan who accidentally shoots a store owner, Stan backs them up while fighting his own battles.A triple homicide is caught on tape by a professional photographer yet the person or persons responsible and the motive for this grisly crime are a mystery. This is the kind of high-profile murder case that attorney Paula Waters loves but as she tries to unravel the twisted facts a critical witness is murdered and two others disappear. When the trial finally begins and she thinks she has everything figured out, Stan informs her that she has it all wrong! Paula isn’t happy with Stan’s revelations, particularly since he has been of little help to her during the trial. In the past, he has been right there with her from the beginning to the end, but this time, he has been busy helping their new associate Jodie Marshall with her civil defense of an ex-Army MP who thwarted a thief in a jewelry store heist but managed to shoot the store owner in the process. Stan has his own troublesome bankruptcy case too. A Pakistani immigrant has been defrauded of his life savings of $250,000 by a thug preying on fellow countrymen wanting to immigrate to the U.S. Stan puts his client into a chapter 11 reorganization but the thug has little respect for U.S. laws or its judicial system causing Stan’s plan to go awry. Stan’s unexplained absences from the office further exacerbate his shaky relations with Paula, particularly when she discovers he’s apparently having liaisons with a hooker!

Weekly summary of soap opera's hottest news, stories, humour, gossip, blind items, top stars/stories/couples/characters to watch, snark galore, review, and analysis. Plus: VENICE: THE SERIES coverage! And Daytime Emmy Awards reporting!INSIDE> Prospect Park Permanently Suspends Online Reboots of AMC and One Life! Plus: AFTRA Responds! Exclusive Interview: Lexi Ainsworth sounds off on her GH firing! Plus: Has another soap approached her? Is she joining Dirty Soap? Also: Lexi sounds off on Kimberly McCullough’s upcoming exit! Will Robin die of AIDS? Exclusive: Y&R’s Eric Braeden on Melody Thomas Scott’s comeback; six-month absence; Madison Avenue “ridiculous” demo obsessions, and soap cancellations! Which soap villain is headed to the slammer? It’s Venice: Season Three Premiere Week! Plus: Win a season-three pass! Also: Why did Venice recast Gina Tognoni? Shocker: B&B’s Jack Wagner Reunited With Daughter He Never Knew About! #OccupyLlanview: Secrets from One Life’s Last Tape Day! Another World’s Queen Victoria Wyndam speaks about the future of soaps! DAYS recasts Susan with One Life vet! Lauralee Bell: “My family was offered a reality-TV show!” Y&R’s Kate Linder Talks Jeanne Cooper and Michael Learned Over Tea! Last week’s Soap Reviews; Next Week’s Preview Cheat Sheet! And every week: Unbelievable Blind Items!

Tom was just a normal kid who had a dog that was normal.He could chase a bull into a chicken coop and make him bellow. He wasn't scared of anything and had a strong dislike for rabbits. Whoever thought this dog would lead him on a chase across a field running from a scene that was sure to get him in trouble.Tom was just a normal kid who had a dog that was normal.He could chase a bull into a chicken coop and make him bellow. He wasn't scared of anything and had a strong dislike for rabbits. Whoever thought this dog would lead him on a chase across a field running from a scene that was sure to get him in trouble. With Tom crying, because he was laughing so hard. Who never knew that Tom would one day slip and fall. That no-one would be around to catch him, that he would be alone, with no-one around. That he would be drug through the woods, and awake just to find out that it was dark and that he was alone and hurt. Read and find out about Spud.

Lost opportunities from the past can drag us down and prevent us from enjoying the present and the future. Sometimes we have to revisit the past to escape from it.Tea, Drums And Speed is just one of a set of short stories; it tells of a 1960s pop band metamorphosing. Elsewhere, there's a story speculating on how those bizarre rumours about 'celebrities' actually start, another about what flashes through the mind in the moments before a car accident and the tale of an Olympic athlete.These and others contribute to a whole that has been described in flattering terms – challenging, thought-provoking and enjoyable are just some of the terms that have already been used.The author would be very pleased to share these interesting little tales with you!

Six short stories offering a surprising range of topics, this little group sets out to make the reader think a little. They range from deliberate rumour-spreading, the tale of a 1960s pop band, the interesting world of a vicar's wife and her sisters and a sporting tale. Add in a couple of other very short works and the whole becomes worthy of its description – 'thought-provoking'.Tea, Drums And Speed is just one of a set of short stories; it tells of a 1960s pop band metamorphosing. Elsewhere, there's a story speculating on how those bizarre rumours about 'celebrities' actually start, another about what flashes through the mind in the moments before a car accident and the tale of an Olympic athlete.These and others contribute to a whole that has been described in flattering terms – challenging, thought-provoking and enjoyable are just some of the terms that have already been used.The author would be very pleased to share these interesting little tales with you!

Danny Firoth is an average thirteen-year-old who finds himself at the beginning of his eighth-grade year, struggling with some of the more common concerns that plague a boy of his age: bullies, homework, and his mother. Sabrina Drake is the new girl. She is beautiful and spellbinding, but carries a fantastic secret. Together, they begin an epic journey to become Knights of the Light.Danny Firoth is on the verge of beginning his final year in middle school. The only odd thing to happen on that fateful day is the appearance of new student in school, a beautiful girl named Sabrina Drake. Fascinated by not only her spellbinding looks, but her interest in a popular fantasy card game called Knights, Danny develops a school-age crush. However, before he can build up the courage to talk to her at length, he is confronted by the resident bully. Forced into a fight, he learns that he is not so average as a strange power awakens within him, allowing him to foresee the actions of others before they happen. With the help of this new ability, Danny is able to put his antagonist in his well-deserved place, but quickly finds himself punished with an after-school detention.Awaiting the arrival of his not so happy mother, Danny is startled as a rumble shakes the very foundation of the school. Following the shuddering to its source, he discovers two frightful creatures engaged in an epic struggle of mortal combat, a large dragon and a strange shadowy being. Nearly torn to pieces by the creature of shadow and saved by the creature of legend, the dragon, Danny barely escapes.The next day at school, Danny joyfully finds that Sabrina Drake has taken a curious interest in him. With plans to meet after school, Danny’s dark thoughts, once centered on the frightful events the night before, become focused on his crush. However, things do not go as planned as the creature of shadow appears once more, forcing Sabrina Drake to forgo her secret and transform into the familiar form of the dragon that saved Danny the previous evening. After defeating the dark creature, Sabrina Drake resumes the shape of a human and begins to explain that the popular card game of Knights is more than simply a game, but reality. She describes an ancient struggle with the creature she has just defeated, dating back hundreds of years as well as an Order that has vowed to destroy them, the Light. Discovering that he has a rare ability to see these forces of darkness, Danny accepts an invitation to be tested for the possibility that he could one day become a Knight of the Light.Danny as well as four of his closest friends are judged worthy and accepted into the White Rock Academy of Illumination, a school for young Squires destined to become Knights of the Light and battle the forces of the Dark with magical weapons called Bondeds; swords created from the souls of fallen Knights of the Light.Upon the back of a full-blooded Draconic, a dragon as well as Sabrina’s father, Danny and his friend's venture to the Florida coast where they board an old, but magical ship, and set sail for the Bermuda Triangle. In the center of the legendary triangle is a swirling tempest of black clouds, created by an ancient tear between the human world and the world of the Shadows. With the help of a Navi, a wizard specialized in navigating the dangers of the dark storm, Danny and his friends arrive safely at White Rock Island where they begin the training of their lives. Honed in the techniques of blade work by an Elvin swordmaster, Sir Syndil, and educated by a colorful assortment of professors, Danny and his friends learn battle strategy, hand to hand combat, defense against the magical arts, and a history of the ancient conflict with the Shadows.However, discovering a powerful ability within himself that may mark him as the destined savior foretold, the Mageknight, Danny must question the intentions of his instructors. With the help of his friends, Danny must use everything he has learned to thwart the betrayal of someone within the Order of Light in this fantastic tale of dragon-riding adventure, sword-wielding action, and coming of age drama.

Esther's House - A true story of the paranormal.Childrens fears, scary relatives, and ghostly family histories...4600 words.Elderly sisters complain of paranormal goings-on in their small bungalow. Is the place haunted, or is it their fevered imaginations. Decide for yourself...Now re-formatted to look better on your e-reader.

He had taken a chance to be first in line to submit his request. If granted, he would finally obtain his freedom. He wondered when They had taken over. In had been so gradual that no one realized until They were in control. After a while, one simply stopped caring. They were here. They ruled. Bill swiped his IdentiCard, made his request and waited. His answer proved shocking!Bill had taken a chance to be first in line to submit his request. He had slipped out of the Senior Resting Center early. If his request was granted, he would finally obtain his freedom. He wondered when They had taken over. It had been so gradual that no one realized until They were in control. After a while, one simply stopped caring. They were here. They ruled. They would never relinquish their authority. Swiping his IdentiCard, Bill entered his request and waited. The final answer proved shocking!

Bobby Monster is a furry pink monster. He loves trying new things. In this story he tries to play baseball- even though he's never played before!A short chapter book for children aged 6-9 Approx 1,700 wordsBobby Monster is very pink. And very furry. He's very friendly too.Bobby loves trying new things.In this first book Bobby joins a queue for a baseball game. He gets so excited that he starts to dance - and he doesn't even know what baseball is!He gets himself accidentally involved in the game. Will he score a home run?

A short story mystery set in middle Georgia involving a man apparently killed by a falling tree at a local park, a strange animal's footprints, bizarre Craigslist postings, and an exciting ending! Written by a former US Marshal with over 23 years experience in the area. The first in the series.A short story mystery set in middle Georgia involving a man apparently killed by a falling tree at a local park, a strange animal's footprints, bizarre Craigslist postings, and an exciting ending! Written by a former US Marshal with over 23 years experience in the area.

A short story dedicated to the author's mother, who is here in body but not in mind. And to all those lives that have been changed by a family member living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.The story recounts a Mother's Day visit with her mother. The title represents the state of dementia patients. With so little memory left and dwindling abilities to care for themselves, they may as well be naked.Former lovers are reunited as a hurricane approaches the island of Oahu.Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. She is successful, beautiful, and certain that a decade ago he betrayed her, but despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died. As secrets are slowly revealed and new and surprising friendships develop with otherrefugees from the storm, the past and present come together in one tumultuous explosion.From Glowing Embers is the first book of a four book series set among four islands in the Pacific. Smoke Screen, Rainbow Fire and Out of the Ashes follow, featuring characters introduced here.

Anna, Lady Quartermain, is a grieving widow at twenty-five. In an attempt to restart her life she sets up the Wellington Bureau, an investigation agency. A failed bank robbery, a jewel thief, and a callous murderer – set against a background of aristocratic England.Former lovers are reunited as a hurricane approaches the island of Oahu.Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. She is successful, beautiful, and certain that a decade ago he betrayed her, but despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died. As secrets are slowly revealed and new and surprising friendships develop with otherrefugees from the storm, the past and present come together in one tumultuous explosion.From Glowing Embers is the first book of a four book series set among four islands in the Pacific. Smoke Screen, Rainbow Fire and Out of the Ashes follow, featuring characters introduced here.

Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. Despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died.Former lovers are reunited as a hurricane approaches the island of Oahu.Once, Julianna was plain Julie Ann, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who dared to love the son of the town's most powerful family. Gray loved her, too, and married her to give their unborn child a name, but sometimes love isn't enough. Ten years later they meet again. She is successful, beautiful, and certain that a decade ago he betrayed her, but despite their painful past, both are helpless to deny a love that never died. As secrets are slowly revealed and new and surprising friendships develop with otherrefugees from the storm, the past and present come together in one tumultuous explosion.From Glowing Embers is the first book of a four book series set among four islands in the Pacific. Smoke Screen, Rainbow Fire and Out of the Ashes follow, featuring characters introduced here.