Anthony
Carlis’ Quest
First there was nothing – all was still. Only green. Water dripped from a pale nostril, and cascaded down to the muddy ground below. Then, movement. The dripping point shook briefly, and sniffed. A second niff, and then the boy returned to his statuesque pose, a blurred shape among a forest of twisted and blurred…
Maxie’s Travels: Chapter 1 – New Arrivals
Maxie stepped down from the high step of the coach, scuffing up the red dirt of the road as she landed. As she mounted the pavement, she looked around for familiar sights; something comforting in this unknown destination. Maxie’s dad swept past her, heading for the luggage bay. He placed a reassuring hand on her…
The Frozen Wilderness
I looked back at the battered wreck of our aeroplane. The giant 747 lay at the end of its makeshift landing strip, like a fallen dragon; its last breaths forming plumes of smoke, which rose into the cloudless sky, even after defeat. A tell-tale passage of crushed and broken trees led away towards the distant…
Sam’s Midnight Adventure
Sam clung to the branch of the tall tree, trying not to think about the swaying and buffeting the wind was inflicting on his furry coat, not to mention his stomach. Sam was beginning to feel a little ill. He opened one eye and squinted to see the men with torches creeping across the battlements…
The Visitor
The curved and glistening fangs bit down hard on Jessica’s hand, as too late, she saw them pounce from the soggy undergrowth. Instantly she abandoned all intention of collecting her ball, blind instinct yanking her arm back from the dense foliage. She winced, first as the teeth grazed her skin and then stumbling backwards, again…
Backward
Jim looked around the deserted science lab. He knew he shouldn’t have snuck back, but he really wanted to see what Mr Jenkins, his teacher had been working on. He had to know what was under the dark sheet at the back of the room. Jim crept closer, trying not to shatter the fragile silence…
Sir Duncan’s Quest
Sir Duncan sat in the soothing warmth of the midday sun, absentmindedly polishing his leather saddle. The sun glinted off his shining armour, and warmed the leather straps which held it, taut against his muscular arms. His skin was olive tanned, and wore the patterns of countless pale scars. Neither the heat on his back,…
The Time Engine
John was out late again. There would be trouble when he got back, he was sure of it. He thought of Mum’s last words as he crawled through the half-open window into the school canteen. “Be on time John,” she had warned him. “This is an important meal!” John grunted, but only quietly. The door…
The Sword of Andreus
Everyone knows about Heracles’ twelve impossible labours, and the cruel trick Hera played on him to seek revenge on her unfaithful husband Zeus. Many are aware of Heracles’ sorrow at killing his own family, and how he was deceived by Hera and King Eurystheus, Heracles’ weak and spiteful cousin. But, few are aware of the…
Desert Journey
Gavin trudged towards the top of the high dune. The scorching sand made his feet sore, as they sank down with each step he took. Behind him he could hear the horse that had thrown him, as it sped off on its own, back to the hire stall. On reaching the top he wiped his…
Tom Sees Things Differently
Tom awoke to the gentle hum of a number of cooling fans. He felt their gentle breeze and predictable oscillating action before opening his eyes. As he lay, relaxed, he felt the soft layers under him and longed to stay a little longer unmoved by the persistent light and noise of day. He rolled over…
The Unpleasant Present
Melanie closed the door as the postman, whistling loudly, walked back down the driveway. She put the heavy parcel on the kitchen counter. It was addressed to her, but he had not ordered anything, and she couldn’t think who would be sending her a gift. Melanie grinned as she undid the outer wrapping, and slid…