The Sun Disk: Aria & Liam

By Coline Monsarrat

Join Aria and Liam as their curiosity leads them to the legendary Golden City of the Incas, Paititi, where they become entangled in a mission to save the city from imminent destruction.

 

Mistaken for envoys of the sun god Inti, Aria and Liam must embrace their roles and embark on a treacherous mission to find the Sun Disk. With the help of Coya and Urco, the chief's children, they must thrust into a perilous journey deep into the Amazon jungle, decipher a mysterious map, outsmart vengeful gods, and navigate the perilous territory of the Conquistadors.

As their quest unfolds, the duo faces relentless challenges, forcing them to rely on their wit, acting skills, and unexpected alliances. Will they locate the powerful Sun Disk and save Paititi before it's too late? The fate of an ancient civilization hangs in the balance.

 

"The Sun Disk" is a rollercoaster ride of non-stop surprises, blending humor, history, and high-stakes adventure. Perfect for daring readers aged 8 to 12, this thrilling tale immerses you in a world where danger lurks at every turn, and the power of friendship and ingenuity can change the course of history.

 

Aria & Liam is a series of standalone middle-grade books allowing young readers to enjoy each adventure in any order they wish.

 

"The Sun Disk is a fantastic middle-grade adventure that transports readers on a thrilling quest filled with excitement and discovery, and I'd highly recommend it to young readers looking for an enthralling blend of history, adventure, and friendship." - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

"One of the things I like about this series is the constant back and forth between the main characters, Aria and Liam, and the witty and humorous dialogue." - Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

• Language: English
• Publisher: Apicem Publishing
• Release date: Jul 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223193081

Book preview

Chapter 1

Camping Is Always a Good Idea

Aria and Liam sprint joyfully through the Sommetville forest, Pingo bouncing beside them.

He adores his new family and enjoys seamlessly moving between Aria and Liam's homes. What brings him immense joy is that they spend an abundance of time together, allowing him to cherish the company of both Aria and Liam most days.

As the sun descends in the sky, it gracefully brushes the treetops with shimmering golden streaks. Excitement zings through the air! Aria, Liam, Amelia, Alex, and his French bulldog Pippa are preparing for a wild weekend camping in the woods. No doubt there will be loads of fun ahead!

Alex, can you go any faster? shouts Aria impatiently. The sun's about to set, and we still have to set up camp!

I'm doing the best I can, but Pippa's not as light as she looks! replies Alex, one of the duo's childhood friends, struggling to keep up with his dog in his arms, who loves to act like a princess by refusing to walk.

Give her to me. I'll take over! Liam offers, grudgingly admitting that Aria has a point. If there's one thing he doesn't want to find himself doing right now, it's pitching the tent in the dark.

He holds out his hands to receive Pippa, who, despite being plump, looks so cute with her brown coat and a snub nose.

Pippa barks angrily as she is taken from her beloved owner to a slightly less welcoming Liam.

Liam, you can't say you stole her heart, laughs Aria.

Yeah, she'll get used to it! the boy snaps, trying to muffle the dog's barking. Let's just move along.

After a few minutes' walk, the group arrives at one of the forest's many clearings. They set up camp for the night and quickly divvy up the tasks. Liam and Alex put up the tents while Aria and Amelia search for firewood in a nearby cave. They've been on adventures like this before, so they know what to do!

Their parents used to join them until the gang all turned thirteen - Sommetville is safe, after all! Liam's parents were hesitant about it, but Aria's enthusiasm and her father's support eventually won them over.

After setting up the tents and lighting the fire, Aria rushes off to get dinner - nothing beats marshmallows roasting over an open flame!

Amelia excitedly plops down on a rock at the foot of the fire. This is so awesome! You guys are totally rocking it!

The boys quickly join them around the fire, eager to embrace its warmth, just as the sun fades away, making room for the moon's gentle glow. The flames light up the area around them, illuminating their excited faces. In the distance, they catch an owl's faint hoot, sending excited shivers down their spines. The anticipation tingles through their bodies as if they can almost taste the thrilling adventure that awaits them.

Here, my little Pingo, Liam says, handing his pet a marshmallow.

You're crazy! Do you want to kill him? shouts Aria. You should never give sweets to animals; besides, it'll only excite him.

Stop talking nonsense, my dear Aria! And he's got to eat! retorts Liam.

The young girl hops to her feet and sets off for her tent. She returns with a bag in her hand filled with chicken legs as Pingo and Pippa look on enviously.

Aria smiles, reassuring them, Don't worry, I've got just the right thing for you! She hands a treat to Pingo, who eagerly takes it. Then she turns to Pippa and offers her one too. Pippa sniffs it, then turns away.

Haha, she's very picky when it comes to eating! informs Alex under Aria's disappointed eyes.

Are you sure it's not Aria's dog by any chance? laughs Liam.

Give me a pick instead of being a smart-ass, retorts Aria, who joins her friends in cooking her sweet meal.

A light wind ruffles through their campsite, and they watch the fire flicker as it cooks their marshmallows to perfection. Amelia breaks the silence, suggesting, What if we told each other stories?

You mean scary stories? scoffs Liam.

Oh, I've got one, I've got one! shouts Aria excitedly.

Awesome, go on! replies Amelia with glowy eyes.

I'm not entirely sure you're ready for this... Liam begins, but before he can continue, he is interrupted.

Once upon a time, begins Aria, a group of kids are camping in a forest just like this one...

What are you going to tell us now... Liam cuts in, rolling his eyes.

If you'd stop cutting me, you'd know! retorts Aria, glaring at her friend. I was saying they're camping in the forest. After dinner, they all tuck themselves into their sleeping bags, and the night is peaceful; only animal noises interrupt the silence. Then... a strange shadow appears on the tent canvas... She looks around at her friends with anticipation.

In which world will that be possible? Liam exclaims impatiently, trying to control the shivers that have taken hold of his body.

Aria resumes in a deep voice without giving him any notice, They have trouble understanding what it is; the shadow isn't shaped like an animal, nor is it human. Its head looks like a rectangle with feathers on top. A red smoke appears and envelops the whole camp. One of the boys decides to leave his tent to see what it is. He finds himself petrified in front of what lays ahead of him, she continues with widened eyes and almost whispering. There he finds a mask painted with tribal designs, and suddenly the eyes turn red and strike the boy, who collapses.

A wolf's howl echoes through the night, startling everyone and making them jump. Fear is written all over the group's faces. Even Aria stops speaking as they all sit in silence, barely daring to breathe. Suddenly, Pingo bursts out of the bushes, closely followed by Pippa. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief and starts laughing.

Do you want to know how it ends? Aria asks, looking sheepish after being fooled by her own game.

I think we've had enough fun for tonight... replies Alex, his eyes still showcasing his fears.

You're right, and we'd better get some sleep! chimes in Liam. Aria, since you love adventure, come with me and grab some more wood for the fire. It's burning out quickly! Better get them now! he suggests, standing up.

Aria stumbles behind him, having had a fright herself. Pingo! she yells desperately, looking for her pet and only guardian.

The duo head for the cave, with Liam showing the way with his phone flashlight. They hear some muffled animal steps, which makes them a bit anxious. But luckily, they quickly make it to the cave's entrance. Liam checks the logs for dampness, which can stop them from burning well.

Aria looks closer at the cave's walls to keep her fear at bay. Suddenly, she spots a small gap in one of the rocks. She moves closer and stops dead in her tracks as she discovers tribal paintings on the wall. Her heart begins to beat faster and faster, mixing excitement with fear. Her curiosity is too great; she can't resist further exploring this mysterious corridor.

What are you doing, Aria? Liam asks, setting down the log he had chosen. He hurries after her, calling out, Come back!

Aria steps into the passage with amazing paintings. Everywhere she looks, something new catches her eye.

Come on, you're going to get us into trouble again! pleads Liam as he follows her into even more darkness, his phone up so he can see the path.

Aria points excitedly to the floor. Look! Footprints!

Liam's eyes go wide with surprise. Who would go in there? he wonders aloud.

I don't know, but it's weird; they're fresh, and look at the paintings on the wall! I've never seen anything like it in Sommetville.

Liam is also intrigued by the drawings, which remind him of the ones they saw during their explorations of Egypt and Atlantis.

Look, there's a door! exclaims Aria, snapping him out of his reverie.

She sprints toward it, leaving Liam no choice but to chase after her. In no time, they find themselves in a room whose walls and ceiling are covered with weird inscriptions and numerous golden objects scattered across the floor.

Their jaws drop open at the unexpected sight. People chanting can be heard from the adjacent room. Aria creeps forward, followed nervously by Liam, his heart thumping.

The chanting in an unknown language grows even louder. They reach the corner and encounter an incredible scene: two kids wearing colorful patterned outfits with golden belts and face decorations singing in front of a fire.

The two strangers' eyes bulge, and their mouths open in shock. A tear rolls down the boy's cheek as he jumps up and runs at Aria and Liam. Liam quickly steps back but trips over a pebble and tumbles to the ground. Aria stands still, frozen with fear, as the boy grabs her around the waist with muscular arms, squeezing so tightly that she can hardly breathe.

Finally, you're here! the boy exclaims, tears welling up in his eyes. Inti sent you!

The eyes of the two adventurers widen in astonishment. What kind of adventure have they unwittingly stumbled into once more?

Chapter 2

Inti Who?

Aria and Liam gasp in surprise. The boy lets go of his hug, and without a word, the girl next to him comes closer, carrying a pile of clothes. She does not allow them a chance to speak before unfolding extravagant and colorful tunics. The boy takes one of the tunics and quickly helps Liam put it on. He's still baffled, standing there like a statue. The girl does the same for Aria, and in no time, the two adventurers have swapped out their comfy jeans and hoodies for colorful geometric patterned tunics. The fabric glitters with gold and silver threads, woven together in a mesmerizing pattern that looks almost alive.

Aria and Liam feel something cold against their skin as a belt of jewels is tightly wrapped around their waists. Shiny necklaces, wrists, and ankles are also added, filled with glimmering gems that sparkle despite the dim light. The strangers place a headdress on each of their heads, loaded with feathers and gemstones, making them look even more extravagant.

Aria and Liam stare with their eyes wide open, not sure what's happening to them.

You're all set for the ceremony now, so let's go! the girl exclaims as she nudges Aria and Liam toward the door.

The girl yanks it open before they can protest. Liam steps back when he notices the boy holding out gold plates with potatoes on them.

Don't forget your offerings! the boy says, thrusting two plates into their hands.

Aria looks at the potato in confusion. What the heck are they going to do with a potato? She glances sideways at Liam, who has gone pale with fear. Before she can utter a word, the girl shoves them out of the door.

The sun's rays blind the adventurers as they step out into the bustling place. The loud music and chants fill their ears. When they finally open their eyes, they are shocked by what lies ahead. Hundreds of people, dressed in similar tunics and carrying plates full of food, dance to the beat of drums and maracas.

Where are we, Aria? asks Liam with an expression of fear on his face.

I have no idea, my dear Liam! she responds, captivated by what she sees.

The boy shouts, Let's go! and takes the lead in the procession. The girl quickly follows him as they start dancing.

Aria looks around, trying to get a clue on what is going on. The kids' excited glances spur her into action, and she joins them, trying to copy their dance moves.

She turns to Liam and shouts, Come on, move your ass! We have no choice!

Are you kidding me? responds Liam while extending his arm, dropping the potato on the floor in the process.

The crowd's eyes turn on them, filling the place with accusatory looks. The music stops, and Liam stands there alone. Aria signals him to take the potato quickly. Liam bends down and grabs it before smiling nervously. The two kids who welcomed them watch closely and start dancing again, signaling the musician to play their music again.

The ceremony takes back its course, and Aria begins copying the dance, this time with Liam following close behind.

At the center of the place, a group of dancers step forward, holding foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains up high. They sway to the music's melodies and beat