Into the Forest Shadows

by J. A. Marlow

  That one wouldn’t last long, his instincts told him. No one who openly feared or loathed the forest remained long.

  A teenaged girl with brilliant red and purple streaked hair severely disciplined into two pigtails that stood out from each side of her head walked down the stair. A loose bright yellow shirt hung over black with a red belt that matched her hair around her waist.

  At the foot of the stair, she stopped, standing up straight and tall, her chin up. She looked straight at the forest, and without a shudder or hesitation, dismissed it. Her gaze continued to take in the rest of the scenery, even coming to rest to study Morris and his cart for one moment. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the city, those sharp eyes taking in all the little details.

  Wry humor quirked her mouth as she then joined the timid woman, shaking her hair so that the pigtails caught the breeze.

  Morris picked up his pace, finding a smile on his weather-beaten face. He had a feeling he would see the little lady again before too long. That one might fit in, stir things up a little bit in her wake, too.

  Just what the colony needed, a little more color.

  Hunter of the Shadows

  He sniffed the air. All alone. Just him and the old woman. Perfect.

  The old woman stood in front of the tree, a shiny object in her hands. Always she had something in her hands, looking at the trees, working with the trees, studying the plants in her carefully tended plots and pots.

  Messing with what she had no right to mess with.

  He crouched under the bush, casting a wary eye towards the treetops. No noisy flying rigid creatures the humans preferred to travel inside. Couldn’t even travel on their own two feet for any distance. His contempt for these creatures grew even more.

  He slunk back out of the bush, loping to the next tree. The old woman had moved to another tree with a narrow object inserted into it. Harming the trees? Why didn’t they fight back?

  His fangs bared themselves, thirsty to sink into warm flesh. The last hunt with his fellow razor wolves had been a long time past. Too bad this hunt would be of so little challenge. At least he would have all the meat for himself.

  He slunk forward on all fours, preparing for a leap. A vine dropped in front of him. With a snap of his teeth he severed it, leaping forward.

  A branch came out of nowhere, knocking him backwards. His back came up hard against the rough bark of a wide tree-trunk. His breath caught as he dropped to the ground.

  The old woman continued her studies, either unaware of what had just happened or ignoring it. Either caused him to seethe even more. Protect her, instead of themselves or him? He snarled as the branch lifted upwards to arc once again towards the sky.

  The old woman turned. A flash of red. No, more than a flash. Upon her back hung a cloak of red.

  His eyes went wide. What was this blasphemy?

  Kate

  The small closet at the foot of Kate's bed barely had enough room for two pairs of shoes side by side at the bottom. The two levels of hanging clothes didn't give much choice. Still, enough to stir things up a little.

  She started with black leggings and a short purple skirt. Now for a slash of color. She grabbed a yellow tank top and pulled it over a purple short-sleeved shirt. Purple shoes to match it all.

  She closed the closet door, studying the effect in the narrow mirror. She fluffed her bangs making sure the red and purple hair coloring were still pure. Highly reflective yellow dangling earrings sparkled fiercely from her lobes.

  Oh yes, it would be a lovely dinner with Uncle Travis. She hoped he'd choke on his food with her colors glaring out at him from across the dinner table.

  With a satisfied smile, she left her bedroom, declaring with a shout, "Mom, I'm ready for dinner! Let's get this over with!"

  About the Author

  It's said I was launched into space from birth and I haven't been back to Earth since.

  There might be some truth in that.

  As a reader I love science fiction with great plots, interesting characters, exotic locales, all accompanied by a sense of wonder with optimistic endings. As a writer, I love the same.

  Come and visit me at my website. I love to visit with other science fiction fans at http://jamarlow.com/

  Connect with Me Online

  Homepage: JAMarlow.com

  Twitter ID: jamarlow_sf

  Email: jamarlow.sf@gmail.com

  Other work by J.A. Marlow

  Spires: A failure-of-a-telepath crosses paths with a smart-mouthed kid on the run with a stolen alien artifact, only to find the destructive vines taking over the city have plans for them both.

  Glint of a Suncatcher: While hunting for Suncatchers, shells of a native Jad land-mollusk, Elvy Akum stumbles onto something else entirely: an ancient artifact that may belong to the fabled Travelers from the center of the Milky Way. It might just save her father's job at the Jad Cultural Center. If it doesn’t re-ignite a devastating war between the Humans and Chion, that is.

  Into the Forest Shadows: On a world of valuable giant trees and intelligent animals, a red-cloaked headstrong teen struggles to save her family from a planetary conspiracy awaiting her at Grandmother's house. A Science Fiction novel retelling of the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood."

  Where the Purple Grass Grows: Vorstogen: A world primarily known for producing grain, the only other claim to fame was a long-abandoned alien space-elevator which the human colonists adapted for their use. But Reporter Steve Gortney doesn't find boredom on this back-world, he finds a pirate raid-in-progress. And the space-elevator has a few secrets of its own, and the pirates are about to trigger it.

  Salmon Run Series

  Welcome to Salmon Run, Alaska! A place of wild animals, wild land, and wild inhabitants...oh, and native legends come alive and an inter-planetary alien conflict at their backdoor.

  Night of the Aurora (Salmon Run - Book 1): The Callahans arrive in Alaska to begin a new life at the lodge left to them by crazy Uncle George. But first they must survive the wilds of Alaska, a massive Aurora, and an alien spacecraft hidden under the snow.

  Alien Winter (Salmon Run - Book 2): During a harsh Alaskan winter, the inexperienced Callahans struggle to prepare the lodge despite power failures and a possible haunting when a diminutive alien with a big attitude complicates efforts.

  Star Catcher Publishing Appendum

  For more reading enjoyment, visit our website to peruse our catalog. We have a newsletter to announce new releases and events. Information on Universes, stories, and authors can also be found.

  Star Catcher Publishing: Starcatcherpub.com

  Star Catcher Publishing Copyright

  Epub ISBN: 978-1-937042-06-6

  Published by: Star Catcher Publishing

  http://starcatcherpub.com/

  Copyright 2011 by J.A. Marlow. All Rights Reserved.

  J.A. Marlow: http://www.jamarlow.com/

  If any typos or formatting problems are found with this ebook, please contact either the author or the publisher.

  Illustrations and graphics copyright 2011 by J.A. Marlow. All rights reserved.

  This book may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the author except in case of brief quotations for the purpose of advertising, promotions and critical review.

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and locations portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity or resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.

  All rights to the characters in this written work are reserved by the author and may not appear in any written work or broadcast by any means without the written permission of the author except for the purpose of advertising, promoting and critical review.

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If
you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  To the author's knowledge no aliens, animals from any known world, or humans were harmed in the writing or making of this book. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  To the author's knowledge no aliens, animals from any known world, or humans were harmed in the writing or making of this book.

  Night of the Aurora (Salmon Run - Book 1) Sample

  Zach Callahan and his father, Hawk, arrive in Alaska to begin a new life. Anxious to arrive at the lodge crazy Uncle George left them, they find the first challenge is just getting to Salmon Run.

  While still in Cordova, an old prospector declares the two greenhorns unprepared for the realities of an Alaskan winter. Sasha, a young native girl, attaches herself to Zach, much to his disgust. A failed sled-dog won't leave Hawk alone, giving rise to an old phobia. They think they have it made once they get to the Solar Express, the unique train that will take them through a dark road-less wilderness to their new home.

  The same night a massive display of the Aurora Borealis lights up the sky.

  The Solar Express shuts down, stranding its passengers in the middle of nowhere. Hidden beneath the snow and ice, and under the path of the rescuers, an alien spaceship also feels the effects of the light show.

  Cut off from the rescuers and trapped inside the spaceship, Zach and Sasha must ally themselves with a pair of aliens before either the malfunctioning security systems or the native Alaskan wildlife kills them.

  ***

  The big boots felt heavier and clunkier than his hiking boots. He nearly tripped over his own feet walking down the aisle. Coordinating stepping down out of the train was a disaster.

  With the left toe catching behind the right foot he went rolling into the snow at the bottom of the stairs. Darnit chased him down, barking at him while his father shouted after the dog. A shout from McRoyal diverted Darnit just as Zach came to a stop flat on his back.

  Right into a perfect view of the sky. The aurora was everywhere.

  "Zach, are you okay?" His father shouted out from the train.

  "I'm fine, Dad," he managed to shout back, unable to take his eyes off the spectacle.

  Sasha plopped down next to him in the snow and cradled her head in her arms as she looked up. "Isn't it great? A rooftop of colors."

  "You could have tourists here in the winter just for this," Zach said. He pointed at a thick ribbon. "It gets so dense you can barely see the stars behind it."

  "There are tourists that come up for the aurora, but they usually go to Fairbanks. That's where they are really active all year round. The University of Alaska has a science program up there to study them. I've thought about attending when the time comes. I'm still thinking about it. How about you?"

  "Me?"

  "What do you want to be when you grow up?" She said teasingly.

  "I haven't decided yet. Something in science."

  "A programmer like your father?"

  "Maybe on the side, but not in an office. I like doing my own work for myself. Not making someone else richer."

  Sasha sat up and brushed the snow off the arms of her parka, "Now that sounds like an independent Alaskan. There is hope for you yet."

  Hearing the sound of an engine, Zach pushed himself to his feet. The blinding white headlight of a snow machine swung over and past them as it crested a small incline up to the tracks.

  It stopped next to the train. The driver shut down the engine and lifted up the visor of his helmet. A grinning face asked, "Have a problem here?"

  "Gus!" McRoyal shouted. "Are you our taxi today?"

  The man gestured to the snow machines coming up behind him, "The Salmon Run flotilla is here to serve."

  Several people cheered. Sasha waved at the new arrivals. "Ever ridden a snow machine before?"

  "No, but I've ridden a 4-wheeler."

  "Good, that will help you in the summer. A snow machine is easier, but you have to watch out for different things." Sasha left him to run towards the approaching snow machines.

  He didn't even try to follow, not wanting to embarrass himself with another fall into the snow.

  His father carefully descended down out of the train to join him. "We can't say our arrival has been boring."

  Zach gave a short laugh. "Nothing about Alaska has been boring."

  One by one the snow machines came to a stop next to the train. With a bit of haggling and good-natured shouting the passengers of the trains paired up with the drivers. Several of the younger kids piled into a small sled on skis behind one of the machines. Dogs jostled for position in another sled.

  Zach shifted from foot to foot, warm in the new clothes, but uncertain on what they should do. He looked in the distance but didn't see any lights to indicate where Salmon Run might be. How far away was the town?

  "We'll have to split into three groups," Grandpa Neeley announced, pulling one of the kids off a snow machine. "The elderly first. Jacob, get off there. You will wait until I go."

  Zach grinned as the passengers changed as people volunteered for the trips. A few went back into the train.

  Sasha ran back towards them. "This is so exciting. We'll be talking about this all winter."

  "And this is your idea of excitement?" Zach said with a grin.

  His father looked at the train. "We should head back in. It looks like the snow machines are full."

  "Mr. Callahan, you go with this group," Grandpa Neeley shouted.

  "What about you," Zach asked Sasha.

  She shrugged as she pulled them towards Grandpa Neeley, "I'll come with the rest of my family. No big deal. Won't be more than an hour or so for them to return."

  "Doc, I'm giving one of our new arrivals to you," Grandpa Neeley said to a man on a large black and red machine.

  "My pleasure," the man said. "Get on the back. I'll have you in town in no time."

  Grandpa Neeley frowned at the machines that were left. "Wait, we need one more. Drat, why did Nicoli leave? We weren't organized yet."

  Gus leaned out the door of the locomotive. "I'm staying the night with Avery. We'll bring the Solar Express home once the aurora dies down a bit. Sasha, you know my machine. You can take it into town. Have Buck bring it back in the next batch. He couldn't get his started earlier."

  "I get to drive the Zombie!" Sasha whooped, jumping in the air. She vaulted onto a snow machine.

  Grandpa Neeley took a long-suffering deep breath while Zach looked at the big snow machine in question. Sasha thought she could drive it? The size of it dwarfed her.

  "Fine. Sasha, you can take Zach. And drive carefully with him. This is his first time." Grandpa Neeley said.

  "Do we need to bring any of our things?" His father asked, standing uncertainly next to the smaller snow machine he would be riding.

  "The train shouldn't be too much behind you. Big auroras usually don't last long," McRoyal said, clapping him on the back. "Look at it as a way to see the landscape."

  "Come on, Zach. We don't want them to leave us behind." Sasha twisted a key and with a yank of a cord the big engine came to life.

  Seeing his father get on the other snow machine, Zach took the helmet Sasha handed to him and worked to slip it on over his hat and hood.

  "There is break water further down the stream. We're taking the longer route near the plateau," the driver of his father's snow machine shouted at Sasha.

  "Got it!" Sasha shouted back.

  "Is it safe to go off the regular paths?" Zach asked as he adjusted the helmet.

  "Regular paths? Are you serious?" Sasha laughed. "Wide-open wilderness, the Little People are hibernating so they can't cause mischief, an a
urora to light our way? Get on and enjoy the ride."

  "Hold on tight, Zach," his father shouted over the sounds of the engines.

  Zach waved at him as he climbed up behind Sasha. "What sort of things do you watch for while driving a snow machine?"

  "Snow covered logs, breaks in a river, stream or lake, hidden drops." She gunned the engine, "And crazy drivers!"

  Zach grabbed the handles at the back of the seat as the machine surged forward.

  Zach held on for dear life, planting his feet firmly on the sideboards railing running along each edge of the snow machine to keep his balance. The snow machine turned off the small knoll the train tracks sat on top of. When they hit the pristine snow at the base he received a cloud full of the stuff in the face.

  He quickly lowered the visor of the helmet. The engine of the snow machine filled his ears as Sasha seemed determined to outrace the other drivers to town.

  But as they reached the pack she slowed down. After a few minutes he decided that she'd been having a bit of fun at his expense.

  She wasn't a crazy driver. She kept pace with the other snow machines in the little pack, following their tracks unless it proved too rough, and then she would veer off slightly to make her own path through the soft snow. His father turned slightly to look back at them before facing forward with a stiff back. Compared to the relaxed postures of the other snow machiners, Zach was sure he and his father stuck out like sore thumbs.