Motley Education

By S.A. Larsen

***** 2017 Literary Classics - Gold Medal Winner
***** 2016 New England Book Festival - Best Children’s Book
***** 2017 Readers' Favorite - Gold Medal Winner
***** 2017 Feathered Quill - Bronze Winner
***** 2017 Purple Dragonfly - Honorable Mention

Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted
Terms of Enrollment
Signed: Ebony Charmed

Ebony should be excited about entering sixth grade to further develop her skills. And she would be. If only her lame abilities let her see more than three ghosts.

Struggling to live up to her gifted family, Ebony is horrified when she is branded a Seeker: someone who is neither Sensory nor Luminary. To top it off, her Deadly Creatures and Relics project – transforming a measly stick – seems destined for failure.

But there are doors to other worlds where creatures have been watching her. And when the truth emerges that her project is more than a stick, she knows she must act.

Along with her best friend Fleishman and his pet lizard, Ebony finds herself wedged between prophecies and quests. Oh, and saving the entire spirit world from annihilation.

Ebony is not ready to be a hero. But a dark presence has already stolen more than one local kid. And this time, her failure is not an option.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellysian Press
• Release date: Sep 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781941637623

Book preview

~ First Place Winner ~

2016 New England Book Festival for Best Children’s Fiction

~ Gold Medal Winner ~

2017 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards for Children’s Fantasy/Sci-Fi

~ Gold Medal Winner ~

2017 Literary Classics Book Awards for Juvenile/Grade School Fantasy Fiction

~ Bronze Award Winner ~

2017 Feathered Quill Book Awards for Best Juvenile/YA Fiction

~ Honorable Mention ~

2017 Purple Dragonfly Awards; Middle Grade ebook

PRAISE FOR MOTLEY EDUCATION:

THE URD SAGA

"A deftly crafted and consistently entertaining read from cover to cover! Indeed, Motley Education is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to elementary school and community library collections."

Midwest Book Reviews – Children’s Bookwatch May 2017

A wonderful world full of dynamic characters, ever increasing intrigue, and imaginative worlds where amazing things happen! Motley Education is the perfect middle grade fantasy book to capture your attention and engage your imagination as you experience Norse mythology with Ebony and Fleishman. Quite engaging, which is perfect for the targeted age group, (and older readers as well!). I can't wait to see what comes next.

Readers' Favorite Reviews

Full of thrilling twists and an intense battle between good and evil, this fast-paced tale, replete with magical beasts and lovable characters is a must read for young fans of paranormal fiction.

Literary Classics Reviews

My ten-year-old son read this book and LOVED it! He couldn't put it down! As a mother of boys, I'm always looking for good books that they love. This one is a winner!

Kristin Smith

Amazon Bestselling Author of the Catalyst Series

A great middle grade full of adventure. Fingers crossed for more!

Casey Lyall

Author of the Howard Wallace Series

This middle grade fantasy is a perfect fall read! MOTLEY EDUCATION features a great friendship, wonderful world building, mythology and page turning adventure - I highly recommend it!

Erin Cashman

Award-Winning Author of The Exceptionals

This book is creepy, thrilling fun!

Wendy MacKnight

Author of It's A Mystery, Pig Face!

S.A. Larsen has created interesting characters, some good, some bad, which is as it should be, that are typical kids, except for their special powers. The author describes the scenes so vividly, it was almost like I was there. MOTLEY EDUCATION would make a nice addition to school classrooms and libraries (where students might wish they attended such a school as Motley Jr. High), as well as public libraries and your own. Recommended.

BJ Reviews

I like a good mystery with a paranormal twist and this book does not disappoint! The characters are well-developed, the story is clever, and there are just enough surprises to make you gasp with delight. Middle grade readers looking for a fresh dose of magic will love this book!

Lisa Schmid

Author of Ollie Oxley and the Ghost

Author S.A. Larsen punctuates the tale with humor and heart, creating a fantasy tale sure to entertain middle grade readers.

Cynthia Reeg

Author of From the Grave Series

What an adventure full of humor, heart and horror! … incredibly imaginative and inventive. Kids in upper elementary will love this!

Shari L. Schwarz

Author of Treasure at Lure Lake

You spend much of the book biting your lip wondering who is good and who is bad. The ending is satisfying and sets up nicely for a series. Recommended for readers who like fast-paced adventure, mythology, or magic.

Kai Strand

Author of King of Bad and The Weaver Tales

MOTLEY EDUCATION

The Urd Saga

S.A. Larsen

MOTLEY EDUCATION

S.A. Larsen

www.ellysianpress.com

MOTLEY EDUCATION

© Copyright S.A. Larsen 2016. All rights reserved.

Print ISBN: 978-1-941637-63-0

Second Edition, 2019

Editor: Maer Wilson,

Cover Art: M Joseph Murphy

Ebooks/Books are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away, as this is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF YGGDRASIL!

Within these pages you will find a host of mythical creatures, enchanted lands, and gifted characters anxious to guide you through the magic of The Nine Worlds. But beware: all is not always as it seems. Dangers lurk in unsuspecting corners, and clues to mysteries will try to confuse you. Before you begin your journey, here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Yggdrasil, also called the Tree of Life or the World Tree, has branches stretching beyond all of existence and roots that plunge to the depths of the cosmos. The Nine Worlds rest in its branches.

~ MYTHICAL TERMS & CREATURES ~

The Nine Worlds – Asgard, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Midgard, Jotunheim, Svartalfheim, Nedavelleir, Niflheim, Muspellheim. (Helheim is beneath the ground in Niflheim.)

The Ancients – Aesir and Vanir gods of Yggdrasil; numerous powers.

Autumn Forest – located in Niflheim.

Dark Elves – potted skin in all shades, jagged teeth, eye color varies between black, red, and yellow; quick, agile, clever. Can appear human; pretty and handsome.

Dark Waters – located in Niflheim.

Fire Giants – large, can flame on and off, deep-throaty voice, immense strength.

Ice Giants – similar to fire giants, except for the ice.

Lake of Brimstone – located in Muspelheim.

Light Elves – skin of ivory, olive, and tan tones; soft spoken, kind-hearted, strong, intelligent.

Norns - the Graces and goddesses of Fate, who watch over and direct the fate of all the Ancients and man.

Rock Giants – extremely tall, strong, don’t speak, and usually filthy.

~ CAST OF MYTHICAL CHARACTERS ~

Daenir – a dark elf

Fenrir – a god in wolf form and son of the god Loki.

Heimdall – a god; guards Bifrost.

Hela – the Queen of the Dead; lives in Helheim and watches over the dead.

Lynheid – a dwarf

Nidhogg – the fiercest of all the serpents of Yggdrasil.

Nila – Heimhall’s pet tiger.

Skuld – The Present, one of the three Norns; played by Mayhem.

Urdur – The Past, one of the three Norns; played by Meandering.

Verdandi – The Present, one of the three Norns; played by Mischief.

~ SPECIAL NOTE ~

For even more background, flip to the back of this book to discover intriguing Yggdrasil facts and mind-boggling whatnot. Plus, take the quiz to find out whether you’re a Luminary or a Sensory.

~ MAP OF YGGDRASIL ~

MOTLEY JUNIOR HIGH

FOR THE PSYCHICALLY AND CELESTIALLY GIFTED

Terms for Enrollment

Please read the following conditions set forth by the Council of Mentors through the Motley Code of Conduct. Your signature is needed to start the registration process.

As an enrollee at MJH, you attest to exhibiting skills from either our Sensory or Luminary group and agree to be classified as such.

1) Sensory students must exhibit psychic skills, such as bending metal or channeling spirits. Although, performing the two together is frowned upon. Spirits wound in metal can become testy and untangling them can be tough.

2) Luminary students must have an appreciation for the stars and life energy, and have an aptitude for crystals, charms, and potions. *Conjuring spells or energy to get rid of a sibling is strictly prohibited.

Note: Subgroups may be needed as students grow in skill and understanding, so nothing is etched in stone. Well, unless your name is found on a tombstone, which you’d have to take up with Keeper Coffer, our graveyard groundsman. He’s a bit hard of hearing so yell loudly.

Lastly, and most importantly, if you ever find yourself chased by a fire giant – which is totally absurd, but our legal team insists we add a disclaimer – don’t hide. They have huge nostrils with which to sniff you out. It doesn’t matter if you smell of perfume or poo, they will find you. Instead . . . RUN! But please avoid the boneyard out back of the school. Messing with the dead can cause all sorts of problems. See #1.

Enrollee: ______________________________________________________

Witnessed: _____________________________________________________

DEDICATION

For CJ . . .

my Apraxia hero and inspiration for this story.

And for Gracie . . .

her paw prints will forever be imprinted on my heart.

THREE MONTHS EARLIER . . .

A glow pulsated from beneath the stone doors of the tiny crypt. Dark mist seeped from the hinges in a long hiss. Rumbling vibrated the ground, and the wrought iron fence caging in the cemetery chattered.

The boy slid off his favorite weathered gravestone as his friends dropped the flashlights they’d been using to play Dunk the Dead. More mist swirled from the doors, and an eerie pop crackled around them. They all startled, though none of them would admit they were spooked.

A force rammed up against the doors from the other side. The seal broke open, and dense fog spilled out. It skulked over the stone walkway, slithering between the soiled grout and clumps of withered grass.

Great, one of his friends whispered. You broke the doors.

The boy gawked at him. I didn’t do it. He’d said the same chant they always did, the one etched on the cemetery archway.

Whatever, but we’ll get in big trouble if the school finds us here, another said.

As his friends backed toward their bikes, the boy leaned forward. He wanted to steal a peek inside at the coffins, only that wasn’t what he found.

The crypt was empty, except for an eerie presence creeping up the back wall. Pieces of granite dissolved away. A scene of bold peaks scraping a blue sky cleared into focus. Fluffy clouds swayed gingerly, and dual moons hung off in the distance. Golden buildings sparkled in sunlight with the still visible stars. A tram rode on a railway hundreds of feet in the air. Metal clanked and thick steam flitted across his face. Fields of green swayed in a gentle breeze.

Guys, you’ve got to see this, the boy said.

Before his friends reached him, the fluffy clouds darkened to shadows of black tendrils. Vapor crept across the image, dimming the stars. The moons faded. The tram screeched to a halt as the vapor coiled around the city buildings. Winds ravaged the fields. It was like watching a movie – only he could feel everything.

The fields burst into flames, charring the blades of tall grass to ash. Thick smoke choked the sky and burned his nostrils.

A lake of crimson rose out of the embers. The surface water blazed and spit fire through the doors, peppering the ground in flames. A wave of heat slammed into the boy, and he fell to his knees. He could hear his friends fall and scream his name. But he couldn’t move, frozen in place by the sight of a massive hand gripping hold of the doorway.

The biggest head he’d ever seen poked through the doors. Two dull, brown eyes scanned the cemetery. A bulky nose scrunched up one nostril – more dark tunnel than nostril. It inhaled a gigantic sniff, and a growl mumbled off bushy lips.

Broad shoulders pressed into the open space of the cemetery, and gravestones toppled over. Fat chains swayed around the giant’s tree stump of a neck attached to mountain-sized shoulders. His marred skin was a soiled greenish-gray. Metal armor crested his chest and an ornate sword handle stuck up behind his gnarly ponytail.

When the giant’s eyes locked onto the boy, they blazed with orange flames like he’d found what he was looking for. Fire exploded from the surface of his armor.

The boy rolled behind a tombstone, his brain trying to convince him this was real. A fire giant like painted in the school’s foyer? It couldn’t be. He looked for something to defend himself with and only found the flashlights, which were too far away and probably wouldn’t be helpful.

Kor kjem du, Vesle Einn? the throaty voice asked. På taip er ni:d kor I frå.

Flames flared into the sky as the ginormous foot of the fire giant pounded the cemetery ground. A mixture of mist and fog rippled over the boy. He wanted to scream, but he was too terrified by the crumbling soil beneath his feet. He clawed at nearby tree roots to keep from sinking.

He spotted his friends, who’d made it to the iron archway and were racing for the surrounding woodlot. They were stopped by another figure – not a fire giant, but just as dark and ominous.

Menacing fog drifted toward him from all corners of the cemetery. More dirt broke loose, so he clung to the nearest grave. A haunting wind bound up. Twigs snapped. Cloudy mist stirred and collected near him. His body lifted off the burned grass, and he glanced down.

The gravestones righted themselves and the grass looked like it had before. The cemetery slowly disappeared as the funnel of fog swallowed him.

ONE

Splatter Up!

No way this paint would stick to a ghost unless it was blasted out of a paintball gun.

Ebony dipped the wrong end of her brush into the clear cup of green paint and stirred. Her jaw clenched tighter with each click of the shaft against the plastic sides. This was the stupidest art assignment ever. Not to mention, cruel. Mentor Freeman knew Ebony was a horrible spirit tracker.

Cermet Hayes was wrapping up his presentation. Thank the cheese gods and any other entity responsible for him finishing. The kid was one of the few spirit trackers like Ebony at Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted, and he was almost as bad at it as she was.

She watched him dip his fingertips back into his cup and grip onto the partially visible ghost of a tiny dog. Speckles of lemon-lime paint flicked off his fingers, streaking the dog’s tail. It seemed a paintball gun wasn’t needed after all.

As Cermet tried to cram the front paws into a clear canning jar, a piercing yelp flared into the air. The four-legged ghost wanted nothing to do with that jar, but Cermet had to contain it; containment was an essential part of getting a good grade. The harder he squeezed the more the pooch squirmed until the tiny Yorkie farted paint poop all over his hands. The room erupted in laughter as he shoved the ghost to the bottom of the jar and screwed on the lid.

Ebony didn’t laugh. She tugged at her fingerless gloves and nervously swung her legs beneath her stool. One of her loosely laced combat boots clanked against the metal. She didn’t want to be next.

Ebony, relax, a familiar voice whispered.

She cornered her eyes at Fleishman, her GTG aka go-to guy and best friend. He scooted closer to her, his striped button-down shirt draped over his stool. He flipped his shaggy blond bangs out of his face, more clumsy toddler than swooning male model, which made her laugh.

I hate this, she said, twisting to face the front of the room.

I don’t know anyone who likes oral reports, he answered.

Mentor Freeman’s back was toward the students, his attention now on an odd collection of fern plants near his desk. Some had jagged or fuzzy leaves. One even had leaves shaped like curlicues. He plucked slivers of oak wood from each pot, replacing them with new ones, and jotted bizarre sketches on his note screen embedded in the top of his desk. Though Ebony had only been a sixth grader at Motley a couple of weeks, she’d already figured out this mentor was shy a few etchings on a tombstone.

He muttered to the students. Ebony tipped her chin down faster than that poor little Yorkie had yelped.

He’s not looking this way, Fleishman whispered.

How do you know? Ebony asked.

I’m looking at him.

You are not.

Yeah, Fleishman said. He’s still playing with his plants.

Ebony snuck a peek, her inky hair swaying over one shoulder. Hopefully he’ll stay distracted until the bell chimes. Don’t look at him.

Actually, statistics show that avoiding eye contact—

She held up one hand. More information than I need.

Ebony, thank you for volunteering. Mentor Freeman’s voice poked her in the chest.

She whipped her hand down, slicing it between the pleats of her miniskirt. My luck stinks.

Luck had nothing to do with it, Mentor Freeman said. My sensitivity to emotions picked up on your anxiety as swiftly as a famished reaper looking to gorge on souls.

Well, that was a disturbing visual.

Fleishman’s stool squealed on the wooden floor as he pushed from their shared module – fancy junior high name for lab table. I’ll go first, sir.

Ebony’s heart thudded. See, GTG.

Will Fleishman, he said. As you wish.

Fleish, you sure? Ebony asked.

He gripped his cup of red paint and started for the front of the study room. We all got to go sometime.

Yeah, just like death.

Fleishman stood behind the long module near the mentor’s desk. He set his cup down next to a medium-sized basin and stretched out his lanky arms. Supposedly it helped him tap into his ability to manipulate matter, which let him mess with the molecules of matter instead of only moving things around like telekinesis. To Ebony, it made him look like the skeleton model she accidentally dismantled in world life class last year, when she’d borrowed the femur bone to bludgeon a spider to death. She’d been sent to the office for that one.

The glob of red paint inside Fleishman’s clear cup folded on itself like thick waves of hot lava. A speck of paint burped into the air. And another and another until a bubble of paint formed. It floated out of his cup. The rest of his paint lifted from the cup and split into two.

A pinkish hue tinted his face from chin to forehead. He looked so confident up there. Not surprising, though. They were in school. Anywhere else and Fleishman was a major scaredy cat.

The three bubbles of paint compressed back to their original form and returned to his cup. Mentor Freeman clapped.

Fleishman had done it. He’d successfully used his ability in his art assignment. Ebony bit her lip, wanting to succeed. But all she could think of were her past mess-ups. Fleishman slid back onto his stool.

Great job, she said.

"This is junior high, remember? He nudged her shoulder with his. You’ll do great, too. Just keep it simple."

Me? Do simple? Ebony said.

Impossible, I know. You better fake it. Fleishman pecked his chin toward Mentor Freeman, who was making kissy faces at his ferns. I don’t think he could handle any more excitement today.

Ebony felt her chest loosen a little. Fleishman always made her feel better.

Anyway, from my calculations, the possibilities of what could go wrong are minimal.

Good to know,

Reviews for Motley Education

[beverlyjean-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Do you enjoy visiting new worlds? Do you like to meet creatures and people that you might see in a spooky movie? Would you like to attend a school where the students all have special abilities that go way beyond being a scientific genius (though they could be that too), or a whiz at math? “Yes,” you say. Then you’ve come to the right place. First of all, one look at the book cover will arouse your curiosity. What kind of hand is that? And the birds in the background hint at something sinister going on, at least to me they do.In MOTLEY EDUCATION, Author S. A. Larsen’s latest novel for middle-grade readers, we start our journey three months before entering Motley Junior High, a school for psychically and celestially gifted students. A boy and his friends are playing in a cemetery where they’ve played before, but this time, something unusual happens. No, I’m not saying what. You’ll want to discover that for yourself. From there, the reader follows sixth-grader Ebony Charmed, a spirit tracker, and her best friend and go-to-guy, Fleishman, who can manipulate matter, through one adventure after another. From ghosts to doors that are there but aren’t, to students vanishing, and creatures you could never imagine, her bravery is tested time and again. And if that’s not enough trouble for a girl, Ebony’s dad has left home, and she wants him back again. She also learns surprising things about her parents. Is anyone really who they claim to be?S. A. Larsen has created interesting characters, some good, some bad, which is as it should be, that are typical kids, except for their special powers. The author describes the scenes so vividly, it was almost like I was there. MOTLEY EDUCATION would make a nice addition to school classrooms and libraries, (where students might wish they attended such a school as Motley Jr. High), as well as public libraries and your own. Recommended. The book is now out for your enjoyment.