Now Only $9.99 USD
Contact SMASHWORDS to Purchase.
Workers installing an atomic power plant in Central America find a map, the sight of which drives the natives mad with fear. Following the map into the perilous jungle, leads them to a valley with a European style castle. The mystery of this castle deepens with the appearance of a green dragon, and robot workers. Sneaking into the castle, what they find virtually sends them into space.
George and his friend Bill have been moved from their job in an Atomic Power Plant near Toronto, Canada, to work in a Central American country where they are installing a new atomic power plant purchased from the Canadian government.
While George is renovating his house he discovers a map that drives any local natives mad with fear when they view it. They follow a dangerous trail into the rain forest, by land and by water, to stumble onto what appears to be a deserted European style castle.
Their interest spikes when they learn that a mysterious dragon prowls the orchards and fields which appear to be tended by teams of robots. Entering the castle what happens to them next literally sends them into space.
From the Book:
They packed their gear and headed down the trail. Bill found a small trail which led them by a twisting path to the bottom. Whatever kind of animal made the trail; it was using this route to get to the fields for forage, and it had grazed heavily on the abundant grasses that grew there.
When they reached the field they found that they were hidden from view of the castle by a grove of fruit trees and they made their way toward them. The professor mentioned that there was another smaller grove very close to the castle and that was their destination. When they came to the other side of the first orchard they found they were fully exposed to view from the castle if anyone might be watching.
“Short day gang,” George told them. “We’ll hide here until nightfall and then move over to the other fruit grove. Our binoculars should give us a good view from there.”
When it was dark enough they headed towards the castle. As they got closer they could see the dark sightless eyes of the castle gazing towards them. They felt as if some malevolent being was watching their every step.
“I can’t stand this, George,” Hazel shrilled. “Let’s get out of sight of those windows.”
“Where is the dratted orchard?” George hissed at the professor.
“I think it must be across the road,” the professor answered.
They started across the road and decided that it was easier to walk upon so they began hiking along the road.
“Hsst,” Bill warned. “I hear something. Get off the road.”
They scrambled from the road and ducked into the tall grasses that lined it. They watched as a weird contraption came along the road. It appeared to glide and bobbed as it came along. It was covered with an eerie green glow with two red spots in front that looked like eyes. It passed their position and headed along the road in the direction from which they had come.
“Okay, let’s move it,” George whispered, and led them towards a darker patch of the fields that he hoped was the orchard grove, as it turned out to be.
“What on earth was that thing, George,” Hazel inquired, a tinge of fear touching her voice.
“I think, my dear, that we have seen the green dragon.”
From the Author
Every author loves a good review of one of his novels done by a regular reader who likes the story. It offsets the negativity and bias often shown by so called professional reviewers. Please take time to read this review done by some who read and enjoyed the novel.
Where Does it Lead?
I really enjoyed reading this. An excellent work of fiction. You are never quite sure where it will lead you next. Well done!
Reviewed by Yvonne Wash
Now Only $9.99 USD
Other Novels by James Stoness
The Deadly Trail of Gold
The Mystery of the Haunted Castle
Escape From the Noose
Swinging From the Cottonwoods
The Trail Ends in Ouray
Hotspot
Beyond the Pass
Recent Comments