Kayla held up her fist, motioning her crew to stop. She peered through the last remains of the undergrowth out to a small clearing. Sector 2 consisted of a dense red jungle, usually one of the more dangerous sectors, but every now and then, a small oasis could be found. "Why are we stopped?" Troy … Continue reading The Dragon Awakens (The Rise of the Dragon Part 5)
Author: Ryan Espie
The First Clue (The Rise of the Dragon Part 4)
"Kayla's not coming!!" Collin said, pounding his fist into his open palm. "We've waited long enough for her to come. We need to act now!" The nine Outcasts huddled behind the roaring spray of the Nosebleed, a magnificent waterfall cascading out of a cliffside resembling a nostril. Nighttime has descended long ago, casting an eerie … Continue reading The First Clue (The Rise of the Dragon Part 4)
Kayla and the Ghost (The Rise of the Dragon Part 3)
Deep within the caverns near the core, Kayla knelt on the warm stone floor. Her hair cloaked her face from view, but her shoulders trembled with sobbing. Dalia and Travis had just come and gone with their report of their reconnaissance, and Kayla's heart ached at the rebellion of her people. "Salus," she whispered, begging … Continue reading Kayla and the Ghost (The Rise of the Dragon Part 3)
A Declaration of War (The Rise of the Dragon Part 2)
"Welcome, Villagers, to the capital of my kingdom!!" Governor Gusteau announced. The crowd went wild. The emphasis on the word my did not escape Dalia's attention, and she rolled her eyes in disgust. He charms his way into a monarchy of the planet and poisoned the minds of the people against a senate. And now … Continue reading A Declaration of War (The Rise of the Dragon Part 2)
Rumors (The Rise of the Dragon Part 1)
Dalia put her hands to her lips and let out a low Fire Swallowtail call. From her perch in the shadows of an out-of-place Bulrock tree, she had an excellent view of the entire plaza while the colossal floppy leaves provided the perfect cover. Governor Gusteau had planted several Bulrock trees from the Dark Woods … Continue reading Rumors (The Rise of the Dragon Part 1)
Into the Woods… (Off the Grid Part 13)
Mara limped away from the burning woods, her head pounding fiercely. She had to get back to Mother fast. Maybe she was right. Maybe sleep is the only thing keeping my conditions at bay. She glanced down at the blue pad shining in her hand and smiled weakly. At least I won't return empty-handed like … Continue reading Into the Woods… (Off the Grid Part 13)
Back From the Dead (Off the Grid Part 12)
The pit in Athena's stomach sank even deeper as Jess attacked first. Every time Jess attacked first in practice, Athena always won. No, she's attempting more advanced Snake form than she can handle. This is not good. Although lowered, Athena tightened the grip on her gun, ready to save the kid in a moment's notice. … Continue reading Back From the Dead (Off the Grid Part 12)
Snake and Shard (Off the Grid Part 11)
Hours later, Mara observed the group of Virals picking their way out of the many dangers of the Unknown Woods. She glanced up at the sky. The sun had long since set. She drew a dagger from her thigh, the metallic ring barely audible. Her assignment would be harder than most, but as of yet, … Continue reading Snake and Shard (Off the Grid Part 11)
Mara (Off the Grid Part 10)
Mara's earliest memory was her mother, Kaitlynn, waking her up. The folds of deep, forgettable slumber dripped off of her wiry muscles like water in a Pixelstorm, and she felt her adrenaline pumping through her veins. "Who's my target?" Mara asked. "A group of Virals who call themselves the Resurgents," Kaitlynn. "Objective: terminate." Mara shrugged … Continue reading Mara (Off the Grid Part 10)
Tension and Secrets (Off the Grid Part 9)
Kaitlynn's earpiece crackled to life. "We've tracked the Virals to the Unknowns." She smirked, glancing at her twin brother, Calvin. "We've got a lead." "Ask him where," Calvin demanded. "These Virals are a jolt in my side." "So serious," Kaitlynn jeered. She pressed a button on her earpiece. "Status report, Agent Manen." Agent Manen cleared … Continue reading Tension and Secrets (Off the Grid Part 9)
Fireside Novels 