Ruff and Tumble are dogs with jobs - Pack Protectors. It's a vital role when there's a Goblin Horde at the back gate! As Pack Protectors Ruff and Tumble have to keep invaders out of the Pack Lands. It's normally an easy job but according to Ruff, there's a Goblin Horde poised to tear down the back gate. This time barking a lot isn't going to work... Unlike Amazon, this version not illustrated.Ruff and Tumble are dogs with jobs: as Pack Protectors they must keep invaders out of the Pack Lands. This is mainly done by barking a lot. But if something really horrible, like a Trolley of Trolls, comes banging on the door they attack with swords and battleaxes.This is just what does happen, except it turns out to be a deliveryman. But that is enough to get Ruff’s imagination working wildly. He is soon mixing up all the things that happen to him in the day with the storyline of the book he is reading (The Goblin Horde). He starts dreaming that he is Righteous Rufus, mighty Warrior and hero, who must stop the invasion of the Goblin Horde.Unfortunately he then starts mixing his dreams back into real life. His toys have gone missing and if he doesn’t get them back the Goblin Horde will invade the Pack Lands and murder everyone in their beds!Tumble doesn’t want to believe in any of it. After all, there are no such things as goblins. But she slowly gets caught up in Ruff enthusiasm to the point where she is chasing goblins through the woods.Ruff (Rufus) is a Scottish Terrier. He is black and shaggy and gets overly excited. He is also a little nervy. He has far too much imagination for his own good and reads books which only fire him up more. He tends to get a bit confused between real life and his dreams.Tumble (Thumbelina) is a Pembrokeshire Corgi. She describes the breed as, ‘an ancient, Welsh, wolf like breed, not overly tall, used for herding cattle, very graceful and beautiful.’ She thinks quite a lot of herself but is willing to get her paws dirty to do what is right. She acts like Ruff’s older sister.In fact Ruff and Tumble are very much like brother and sister: they tease each other, play tricks and banter a lot, but ultimately they look out for each other.Note: Unlike Amazon, this version is not illustrated.

Between this world and elsewhen lies the Barrow Lands; the place where things that were once magic go when the magic fades. This is a collection of two of the Barrow Bard tales -- the ones most frequently performed at science fiction conventions by Mel. WhiteBetween this world and elsewhen lies the Barrow Lands; the place where things that were once magic go when the magic fades. This is a collection of two of Mel. White's Barrow Bard tales -- the most recent ones that were previewed at Soonercon science fiction convention.

A nosy Corrections Officer gets a little too curious on his first night on Death Row and finds himself face to face with the State's "most humane" method of capital punishment- the mysterious Executioner. Who will survive the night?William Colts is no stranger to prisons. He has been a Corrections Officer for fifteen years. Tonight is his first night serving on Death Row at the newest prison in the country-- Desolation Hill. Tonight he will help put a man to death in the most state of the art "humane" method the state has yet devised. He will achieve something he has been waiting years to fix; he will settle a longstanding score. There are three rules on Desolation Hill's Death Row: On Desolation Hill, if a prisoner steps out of line, he doesn't go to the cooler. Dead men never get the chance to meet their makers. Nosy Corrections Officers who ask too many questions, don’t live to tell the tale. As Colts goes about the routine preparations for the night's execution, several questions come to mind. What is the door behind the chair for? What is this "humane" method his partner talks about, and just who is the Executioner?Most importantly, will he be able to go the whole night without seeming too nosy? It seems that his life depends upon it.

War ravages the globe. One man becomes the center of a manhunt, the face of a movement, and starts down a path that none of us are equipped to handle. We all fantasize about being a fuckin hero. It's never like that though. When the shit hits the fan, the guilt sets in. We save one person, ten more die. How does a man make those choices?Hope Erickson, a Black Hawk pilot, and Nick Cunningham, an army ranger, renews their acquaintance on the battlefields of Iraq. He was a bully while she was the chubby girl with braces he and his friends picked on in school.Hope has changed though, and Nick wants a chance to convince her so has he. Will they risk their hearts to one another or does fate have other plans in store for them?

Revenge is bloody good!One November day in the year 2087, everything was normal. The very next, Ancient ships had descended from the sky and just like that, there was no normal. Not anymore.There were only two governments left standing, the United States and Germany. In mere minutes of news coverage, we had answers to some of mankind's greatest mysteries. They left shortly after the rise of the Egyptian armies. Not out of fear, that's for damn sure. To our best estimation, they left so we would breed, expand the population that would eventually be enslaved by them.The smallest Ancient that anyone has ever laid eyes on is roughly eight feet in height. The largest, about the same. They walk like we do, but that's where the similarities end. A pasty gray skin, the pupils of their eyes burning with an amber-colored pigment that helps them deal with the rays of the sun, or so we're told. Transparent skull and bones, which have been linked to their ability to heal quickly. Very quickly.Sometimes not quickly enough though. In other words, they die. I should know, my unit has killed more of the sky-born bastards than any other group of soldiers on Earth. -Alicia Lucard

Post-Apocalyptic short about a man named Rhine Toledo who lives in a harsh and neglected world. He survives by leading a group of bandits, stealing from whoever enters the canyon country they live in.Post-Apocalyptic short about a man named Rhine Toledo who lives in a harsh and neglected world. He survives by leading a group of bandits, stealing from whoever enters the canyon country they live in. When his men are attacked, Rhine is forced to travel across a grueling desert that some say never ends. He heads towards strange lights in the distance, lights that hundreds of people travel to see, but nobody knows what they are. Rhine will face the ultimate test of survival and, if he makes it across alive, he will learn of a place nobody knew existed. Part 1 of the 3 part short series in the world of Scorched.

An ancient, dormant evil returns to haunt the spectrum. Threatening everything. And as chaos stirs, Ion, a young man with a scarred past must put away his inner woes and give himself to a greater cause ... and confront the demons of his past along the way.CRANSOF, STAR CLUSTER 24:A top secret techno facility falls prey to a sudden terrorist attack. But the attackers are no ordinary ones.The spectrum’s worst fear has been realised: this is the return of its most ancient, deadly threat … a threat that has lain suppressed for millennia. The return of the ones they call as mystics.FARNOR, THE OUTER SPECTRUM:Elderly master Mantra feels a sudden disturbance within him. One that signals towards a grave threat ahead for their entire realm… SACROGON, STAR CLUSTER 32:For two years now, Ion has lived a reclusive existence, keeping to himself … carrying the scars of a greatly dark past. But now, as chaos begins to stir in the spectrum, Ion’s life twists overnight, and he is thrust into a perilous new world. A world where good and evil clash with catastrophic proportions … while the fate of the entire realm hangs in the balance.As his life changes overnight in the face of this grave new threat, Ion must muster the courage to put away his inner woes and give himself over to a greater cause … and confront the demons of his past along the way.

16 Year old Massie Trask must find her own rules to deal with the new family her father has forced on her.I don’t want a stepmom. But that doesn’t stop my dad from remarrying.I don’t need a grandpa. But this new marriage comes with one.I don’t want my mom to leave me with these people for three weeks. But she’s going on a work trip anyway. I might run into the gorgeous boy from the wedding that asked me to dance. I’m just not sure I’m ready to let my guard down. There’s too much at risk.Thankfully I have Vianna and Natalie to help me get through all of this. They know the rules of how to play this game.

Jazz is pressed into working side by side with Boss Geeter’s Sasquatch henchman. Ever cautious of her unwanted companion, she searches for clues to the unexplained attacks on Mirth’s monster community. When they’re attacked by a cadre of clowns who’ve brought along some magic users this time, at least one of her teammates will pay a heavy price. The ninth episode of a serialized adventure story.Jazz: Monster Collector, the serialized adventures of Mirth’s only deferred species bond collector. Stories just the right size for your commute, lunch break, or anytime you want a fast, exciting read. Want more? Follow episode by episode as Jazz seeks to uncover the secret force behind the inter-dimensional takeover of the planet she loved, a little place called Earth. Episode 9- Crime Scenes: Jazz has been pressed into working side by side with Mickey, Boss Geeter’s Sasquatch henchman, who she expects is out for revenge since she did shoot one of his great big feet off. Ever wary of her unwanted companion, she searches for clues to the unexplained attacks on the monster community. No sooner do they arrive at her office then they are attacked by a cadre of clowns who’ve decided to bring a few magic uses along with them this time. If Jazz and her teammates survive the battle, at least one of them is going to pay a heavy price. Tune out the static and Tune into Jazz Jazz, Monster Collector, Season One: Earth’s Lament:Jazz is a deferred species bond collector, which is a polite way of saying, Monster Hunter. She hunts them and whenever she can she destroys them. Her hatred for the Orcs, goblins, trolls, and fairies that live side by side with humans on the magically conjoined planets called Mirth runs deep. But only Jazz knows why, how deep, and what she’s willing to do to express it. But Jazz’s greatest enemy is the invisible power behind the hostile takeover that destroyed the Earth that she remembers. And that’s one enemy Jazz probably won’t live to face.A fast paced futuristic serial with a hint of noir and a lot of trouble.

Journeyman is the story of Marc Fleming, a Scottish born wrestler fighting to regain his stardom in Brighton Championship Wrestling. It is the story of one man's struggle to accomplish his goals in the world of professional wrestling, while trying to balance a normal life with his family outside of wrestling.Marc Fleming wanted the same thing that every other wrestler in the business wanted. He wanted to be the World Heavyweight Champion. If he ever got a shot, he'd beat the champion, Nick Warren. That was the problem. Every time Warren came to town, he defended the title against Matt Murphy, while Marc was stuck in meaningless, mid-card matches. He was tired of being overlooked by the promoter and fans as he had worked hard over the years to build his reputation. To the fans, he was The Magnificent Marc. it was about time that he showed everyone how magnificent he really was.Journeyman is the story of Marc Fleming, a Scottish born wrestler fighting to regain his stardom in Brighton Championship Wrestling. Written in kayfabe, Marc's story is reminiscent of those found in the popular wrestling magazines of the 70s and 80s. Journeyman takes you beyond the characterization seen on TV. It is the story of one man's struggle to accomplish his goals in the world of professional wrestling, while trying to balance a normal life with his family outside of wrestling.

Thirty compressions, two breaths takes the reader inside the world of off-duty Sgt. Bobby Morris, as a quick coffee and a cruller instantly turn into a fight between life and death for a seventeen year-old woman injured in an automobile accident.Thirty compressions, two breaths takes the reader inside the world of off-duty Sgt. Bobby Morris, as a quick coffee and a cruller instantly turn into a fight between life and death for a seventeen year-old woman injured in an automobile accident.The incident takes on a whole new level of urgency when Morris recognizes the woman as one of a group of senior girl scouts he mentored. Battling time, a leaking gas tank and his own memories, Morris struggles to save the girl. Will Morris’ first aid and CPR skills help save the girl or will she succumb to her injuries? Find out in this WD James short story.

In the waning days of a war of independence, Commander Theo Paxton of the Dia Nova colony is sent to rescue a team of scientists who disappeared on the planet’s moon. When he arrives with his own team, he discovers a crash site and a single survivor. That survivor acts strangely, and then leads Theo to a discovery that has the potential to change the colony forever.For generations, the colonists of Dia Nova heard stories of a previous failed attempt to colonize the planet. According to Earth, that entire expedition failed with the loss of all colony ships, and half a million colonists. And the reason for that loss was a failure to remain in close contact with Earth. Theo Paxton, and the rest of the Dia Nova residents, had always seen this story as yet another piece of Earth propaganda.Now, in the waning days of their war of independence, Commander Paxton is sent to rescue a team of scientists who disappeared on the planet’s moon. When he arrives with his own team, he discovers a crash site and a single survivor. That survivor acts strangely, and then leads him to a discovery that has the potential to change the colony forever.

What if you could plant a seed, and make it grow in an instant? This story is about just such a person, a boy named Andrew who could do just that---plant seeds and watch them grow like magic.This account begins like any other---on the first page, just like any respectable narrative should. Things go pretty swell for Andrew, that is, until soldiers overrun his town and make him a slave.What if you could plant a seed, and make it grow in an instant? This story is about just such a person, a boy named Andrew who could do just that---plant seeds and watch them grow like magic.This account begins like any other---on the first page, just like any respectable narrative should. Things go pretty swell for Andrew, that is, until soldiers overrun his town and make him a slave to work in the mines of Nookpot. That's where this story really begins. In a dark sooty place, underneath the ground, where Andrew discovers his green thumb has turned black as the coal he shovels. I know I should probably tell you more---but I think I've covered all the basics. There's that bit about Andrew turning a dandelion, the size of a tree, into a dead stick. That was pretty rude. And then there's the bit about me finding Ivory, or Carrots as I like to call her, and me saving Monday's life. And I should mention the part about me crossing the bridge over which the dragon fireflies live---that was particularly scary, seeing how my whiskers could've ignited and burnt me alive. No need to mention the sword, Orion, The Fallen or the Barnacles, or the Foglocker, or the Rockpoppers, or any of those things.If you want to know any more about them, you will have to find out the hard way, by reading. And by hard, I mean, hard. Twiskers are excellent at writing in scribbly. And if you can decipher my scribbly, your talents are great. Your humble servant,Gogindy,Twisker of the Dandelion Den

This is a story from the time when the Land of Ytir was being formed.It is a time of great change. The Ice is melting, and babies are starting to be born - different, with new powers that nobody yet understands.Bran has a Power, and he is driven out of his tribe because of it. The Ice is melting - the world is changing, and babies are being born with new Powers that nobody understands - but there are some in this new world who want to make use of the new Powers, and the people who wield them, for their own purposes.

"You cannot describe the main character of a story, the story describes them."Rosabel McGuiness, orphaned werewolf, has finally decided to leave the werelion pride she’s been living with for the last eighteen years. She’s been challenged to one duel too many. It’s time to find a pack to call home.Theodore Wilson, Alpha of the Mount Roxby Pack, has never cared about finding his mate. He swore off women when his wife, a human who knew nothing about what he was cheated on him. But now a new wolf has walked into town, and stirred up feelings he never imagined he would feel.Mount Roxby has a plethora of supernatural beings, unbeknownst to the humans that live there. After a series of mysterious disappearances, and fatal attacks on both werewolves and vampires alike, Rosabel decides something needs to be done. But can she persuade the Pack Alpha and Vampire King, to put old prejudices behind them long enough to work together, and solve these attacks? Or will one bite too many cause a war?

A stressed out ER nurse faces her worst fear when the suspect of a school shooting is brought in on her shift... alive.This is a short story, roughly 10 pages. It was created as an assignment for a college level creative writing course. Tris Caldwell, mother of three and a full time nurse, works in the Emergency room of the local hospital. A city in which the crimes are normally petty, at least those that the citizens know about. When the unthinkable happens, a shooting at one of the local elementary schools, Tris and her co-workers prepare for the worst. As the death toll rises, only one child is brought in along with the man responsible for killing several children.

Many people spend entire lives trying to work out why they’re here.Unfortunately, I know precisely why I’m here.See, I came with instructions.In fact, I came in a box.Trouble is, I’m faulty goods…"And The Wolves Danced" is a Short Story of Fire and Stone. This short story features Esset, a summoner of fiery creatures and one of the main characters of the novels of the Stories of Fire and Stone. The events take place before the first novel, creating a fun teaser-story for would-be or already dedicated readers!The story follows Esset and his squad as they search for a previous patrol that went missing. In that search, they come across a new threat - a threat they can't afford to ignore.A noblebright fantasy story.

Karen Sheppard is found dead in her car at the Paris Club. Her husband is a self-absorbed sociopath, but is he a killer? The initial evidence points towards Karen's husband, but DNA results exonerates him and points towards a convicted sex offender. Who really killed her? This short story is full of twists and turns with an end that will surprise you.15 year-old Axel lives happily with his mother until he is kidnapped and taken to places unknown and he must find his way back home.

After 17 year old Ellasis' village was attacked she thought the impending war was the worst of her worries. However, when she's marked for death by an ancient people with the ability to control the elements, she must choose between her life or her kingdom's.Jojo was tripping through life, quite literally, gathering flowers and bruises on her knees.One day, she gets a message from beyond. It’s a call from Angel Central. They want her to enrol in angel bootcamp.Apparently the planet is doomed and it’s all up to Jojo to save it and stuff. Which is fine. She’ll get to it right after Friends. Maybe.Then along comes Michael. Gorgeous, funny, charming and like, a BOY, he reckons he’s here to help her.Well, that makes it a tad more interesting… Eh, maybe she’ll save the planet after all.