Tournament of Trials

By J Niessen

Imagine you could gain any desire: wealth, power, even to reunite with a lost loved one. A tournament in Manhattan promises just that. Adelle and Charlie, two participating challengers, explain the history of their relationship. Garrison’s stepbrother Glen appears from the shadows. And situations intensify as we follow a ruthless mercenary, Benson, in his quest to absolve all ties to his name.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J Niessen
• Release date: Jan 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310325571

J Niessen

I give credit to the leadership of two great gentlemen. It’s through the teachings and inspiration of Billy D. Edson, that this vast project involving these short stories came forth.In addition I wish to thank Pastor Matt Sparks for his generous encouragement and support.The stories offered here at no cost were written while I attended a small-group creative writing class, as a student and instructor, held at Highpoint Church, of Tierrasanta, CA from winter 2009-present.After spending countless hours working on the rough drafts, storyline, the design of these episodes, and their cover art, I can take in a relaxing deep breath of refreshing air, slowly exhale, and confidently state that these stories are presentable.I give thanks once again to these two great mentors, for taking the time to go over these manuscripts, and for adding their helpful insight and suggestions. I greatly appreciate the hard work and the dedication you each have interjected in the midst of this endeavor. I will always value, and hope to exercise, the numerous lessons you have taught me.--J. Niessen

Book preview

TOURNAMENT OF TRIALS

(Chapters 6-10 of the Hopscotch Series)

by

J. Niessen

Smashwords Edition

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Published by

J. Niessen on Smashwords

Tournament of Trials

Copyright 2011, 2014 by J. Niessen

Cover Page by J’s Art Emporium, Copyright 2014

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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

Author’s Note:

This story is written in the first person. Because of the varying characters involved I found it necessary to indicate when the transition from one person to the next takes place. If you see this set of five asterisks as part of a paragraph break ***** it means the first person account has changed in perspective. I’ve done my best to reveal which character is telling their side, with distinctive clues in the first paragraph of each introductory portion. I hope you enjoy!

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[Click Here For Part 1: Lost Loved Ones]

[Click Here For Part 3: Forsaken Ties]

Table of Contents for Part 2: Tournament of Trials

Chapter 06: Virtual Warehouse, Pt. 3

Chapter 07: Purgatory

Chapter 08: The Gladiator

Chapter 09: The Champion

Chapter 010: The Champion of Desolation

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06: Virtual Warehouse, Pt. 3

Charlie’s a real softie. He and I are partnered in this elimination challenge because we’re both pilots. It’s only natural I would consider removing him from this jungle training exercise. I still need him around for now, so I’ll keep my man close to serve and protect me.

Charlie lands the Huey in a rice paddy field as I’m concluding my research on the deadly environment we’ve entered, with the use of my wrist display. He turns to me after shutting her down. That’s when the serious side of me dissipates. The chill in my heart thaws as my love for him returns. Smiling back he asks, You ready for this, A… (about to say Adelle) Captain?

Sure am, Lieutenant, staring intriguingly as he takes off his headgear and unbuckles his seat harness, I then coax to him…"We’ve been through a lot together, hon. I think you and I have a good chance at winning this. Have you decided on a reward, if you finish?"

Charles’ face is somber as he gets up from his pilot’s seat, and lifts his glasses.

Adelle, you’re all that matters to me in my life right now. If I lose you in this battle I’ll find a way to bring you back. We promised each other ‘forever and always,’ and I’m going to live out that promise…to you.

My heart melts. Spontaneously I go to him. With my arms over his shoulders I lean in. People tell me I look like Jessica Alba with similar facial and physical features, especially when comparing our full-bodied lips. They joke that Charles and I are the