Excerpt: The Dream Within

Nathaniel's nose was bleeding, and the large man in front of him looked like he was about to pummel him again. He briefly considered fighting back, noticed that the guy's wrists were thick as thighs, and realized he would need another plan. Unfortunately, his brain was slower than the arms that were hitting him, and the second punch got him right under the chin.

“Dammit, I'm not even sixteen and I'm gonna need reconstructive surgery if you keep on doing that! Do you think I'm an actor or something?”

“Welcome to Lismoa!” The big guy was cheerful. It made him look even scarier.

“So that's how you greet people, with physical violence?”

“Darwinist selection, that's all it is. Don't be mad at me. I'm just a messenger.”

“A messenger for what? The local catching league?”

“I'm from the tourist office. Be careful, there are some troublemakers lurking around the airport all day round. You should head to the mountains for some safe fun.”

Nathaniel wondered if burly-Tom was going to sell him condoms, or an automatic rifle. Neither happened.

“Well, you some tough enough, so here's your Visa.”

The small green piece of paper looked like it had been through an ancient washing machine a few times too many. Nathaniel stuffed it between last week's candy and a pair of socks he hadn't had the opportunity to wash before leaving home.