by Tim Moon
“Are they familiar to you?” Thendo asked.
“I can’t tell yet.” Jaron squinted. “Too many shadows.”
The figure moved forward cautiously from tree to tree, silent as death. Soon a familiar furry face peered out from behind a tree. Cyprus stared at Jaron with narrowed eyes. The suspicious gaze made Jaron tense.
“It’s me, Jaron,” he said.
“Oh?” The felidari’s ear twitched and his suspicious gaze turned into a scowl. “The Jaron I know is dead. Yet you appear to be hale. I grant you it is a convincing illusion, imposter. Be gone.”
Before Jaron could speak, Cyprus drew the bone knife and growled.
Confused by the reaction, Jaron held his hands up in surrender. He had to convince his friend that he really was the same man, er, elf, or…being?
“You’re right, the sharkodile killed me,” Jaron said quickly. “After we escaped Myra Bathory and the cottonmouth snakes, you and the children got off the boat. I was too slow.” His shoulders quaked at the memory. “But I promise you, I am Jaron Lionhart. The very same one that helped you escape the cage and slave collar. A lot has happened since then though. If you put the knife away, I will be happy to tell you guys what happened after I died.”
“So, you are the puppet of a necromancer?” Cyprus asked with a hiss, dropping into a fighting stance. “Is that how you came back?”
“What? No!” Jaron waved his hands at the ridiculous assertion.
“The living dead are odd company for a gnome,” Cyprus said derisively.
“If I may,” Thendo interjected. “I assure you Master Lionhart is no victim of necromancy nor any other foul magics. By my own eyes, I have witnessed him receive the blessing of The Green Hand.” Thendo put a fist over his heart. “I, Thendo McTorqin, swear it on my honor as 1st Outrider of Wildhall.”
Cyprus gaped at Thendo at that revelation, his resolve faltered, and the knife dipped down. Jaron looked between his friends with a pleased smile, grateful for the good word. Cyprus looked between the two, confusion and awe written on his face.
Jaron looked at Cyprus with a grin and gave a small shrug.
“Remember how I said I wanted to learn magic?” Jaron asked.
Cyprus rose from his crouch and put the knife away, raising an eyebrow and stroking his whiskers with one paw. “Yes, you did say that.”
“Have I got a story to tell you!” Jaron grinned. “Gather the kids and I will tell you as we walk. Oakenport or bust!”
Thank You
I hope you enjoyed reading First Draw. The series will continue in book two, coming soon. Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe for updates.
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Also by Tim Moon
Dead Frozen: A Necrose Series Story
The zombie apocalypse has struck Alaska!
Working security at the airport is often interesting but rarely dangerous. Yet Gavin McKnight finds himself up against a tough choice: follow the rules or defend his coworker.
When things spiral out of control, Gavin rallies survivors in a heart-thumping battle that will forever change his life.
Long Way Down: A Necrose Series Story
Would you face your worst fear to survive?
I never thought I'd have to answer this question. We never really know what we'll do until the stuff hits the fan. Split-second decisions can alter our lives forever.
When some idiot burned down my high-rise apartment building, and my friends and I were forced to hit the streets of Miami, I found out exactly what I was capable of.
Because reality is harsh when the streets are filled with zombies and the world doesn't give a damn how you feel about it.
The Collin War Chronicles Trilogy
Collin War suddenly awakens in the small town of Goshen, Montana and finds himself in a future that feels suspiciously like the past. In a community struggling to survive, Collin must regain his strength to face the outsiders seeking to destroy the town and the people he grows to care for. As his past is revealed, dark and terrible secrets are uncovered. Collin realizes that more than the fate of Goshen is in his hands.
With the support of his friends Koby and Dr. Julie Horner, Collin prepares for the fight of his life. Freedom must be won. Hope must be spread. And the tree of liberty must be fed the blood of patriots. Dive into the complete Collin War Chronicles trilogy today for a post-apocalyptic, dystopian story that will open your mind and then blow it away.
Protector: A Guardian Council Story
Daria Rosewood is a Protector, trained to battle vampires, necromancers, werewolves and other forces of darkness. Problem is, she hasn't been on a mission.
When a woman disappears into Seattle’s underworld, Daria is finally given her first case. Teaming up with Dr. Drake Jones, they start digging around for clues to find the missing woman. But when things go to hell, Daria must dig deep in order to pull through and save her friends.
Expecting a simple investigation, they get a whole lot more than they bargained for. Daria quickly finds her skills, magic and mental fortitude stretched to their limits.
When the going gets tough, a harsh new reality becomes apparent - service often demands a steep price.
Echoes of a Warlock: A Guardian Council Story
What would you risk for your best friend?
Sarah Cooper was a successful private investigator called to the scene of her best friend’s murder. Citing protocol, a stuffy inspector kicks her off the case, leading Sarah to forge ahead on her own. Sneaking into the crime scene to look for evidence, she stumbles across a hidden clue.
The clue reveals an unlikely ally and a puzzle that she must piece together in order to find the killer and fulfill her friend’s dying wish. Pursued by unknown forces, and operating far outside the law, Sarah’s dedication and skills are tested in the rush to outrun her enemies.
Vengeance and justice must be weighed. Artifacts must be preserved. A traitor must be unmasked. All before a mysterious cabal subverts the Guardian Council.
About the Author
Tim Moon is an author from Washington State. Tim graduated from Washington State University, with a BA in political science and a minor in psychology. As a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy, Tim primarily writes in those genres. After years in a government job, he moved to South Korea to teach English and during his free time completed Dead Apocalypse, his first book. Tim currently lives in China with his beautiful wife.
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