Mission to Shadow Sea (Future Hero #2)

Contents
 
 
 Cover
 Title Page
 Dedication
 Contents
 Chapter One: Real World. Real Problems.
 Chapter Two: Art of the Fight
 Chapter Three: Time Waits for No One
 Chapter Four: Danger! Danger!
 Chapter Five: A Call to Power
 Chapter Six: The Beast in the River
 Chapter Seven: The Abandoned Sea Forest
 Chapter Eight: On the Run
 Chapter Nine: The Frozen Army
 Chapter Ten: New Friends and Enemies
 Chapter Eleven: The Lie and the Lullaby
 Chapter Twelve: Close Call
 Sneak Peek!
 Copyright
 
 
 
 
 Guide
 
 Cover
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contents
 Title Page
 Dedication
 Chapter One: Real World. Real Problems.
 Chapter Two: Art of the Fight
 Chapter Three: Time Waits for No One
 Chapter Four: Danger! Danger!
 Chapter Five: A Call to Power
 Chapter Six: The Beast in the River
 Chapter Seven: The Abandoned Sea Forest
 Chapter Eight: On the Run
 Chapter Nine: The Frozen Army
 Chapter Ten: New Friends and Enemies
 Chapter Eleven: The Lie and the Lullaby
 Chapter Twelve: Close Call
 Sneak Peek!
 Copyright
 
 
 
 
 To my nephews Austin and Theo—love you toUlfrika and back! —JR
 To my ancestors who came before me,you inspire me to work hard and fight every day.—IHM
 
 
 
 
 
 Jarell brushed his hand over the back of his head. It’s got to be long enough now, right? he thought. At least his hair was finally more than stubble. On his last adventure to the kingdom of Ulfrika, the magical symbol had been burned away completely. He couldn’t return until his hair was long enough to have a new symbol cut into it, but time was running out. He had to return to the ancient-future world of Ulfrika, find the remaining three iron animals, and stop the evil sorcerer Ikala before it was too late.
 Jarell couldn’t wait to go back. Everything here in London felt so dull in comparison to the Technicolor of Ulfrika. Especially when Jarell knew he had a quest to complete.
 Jarell shoved his hands in his pockets and walked faster. He was near the alleyway, the quickest shortcut to his cousin Omari’s barbershop, Fades. Perhaps today, Legsy would tell him his hair was ready for a cut. Legsy ran the barbershop’s VIP room, but only Jarell knew that he was really an Ancient with special powers. In Ulfrika, Legsy was known as the trickster god Olegu, and he’d been banished to Jarell’s world.
 Jarell turned the corner but stopped when he heard familiar laughter bouncing from the alley. He ducked to the side and peered in to see his classmate Raheem, along with two other boys from his school, Kadon and Marc, kicking a soccer ball in the narrow lane.
 “Oh man! Did you see that save?” Raheem shouted.
 “You’re kidding?” Kadon crossed his arms. “That save was so easy my nan could’ve made it!”
 As they squabbled, Jarell hesitated. Kadon and Marc were the first to tease him for drawing all the time in class. Was taking this shortcut worth the taunts? Just the thought of it made his legs feel weak.
 Sort it out, Jarell, he thought. What would his new friend Kimisi, the fearless young warrior he’d met in Ulfrika, do? He smiled to himself as he pictured her. Braids falling to her shoulders, chin up, and spear gripped in her hand.
 Kimisi would say “Baku!” and ask if a kitikite had got his tongue. She would tell Jarell that he had words and he’d better use them. And if anyone gives you grief, give it straight back to them with an extra serving.
 A sudden wave of courage came over Jarell. How could he ever become a strong leader like his ancestor Kundi if he let kids like Marc or Kadon spook him?
 He strode into the alleyway before he had a chance to change his mind. Raheem, who had the ball, peered at him with annoyance.
 “Hey, Jarell!” Raheem said. “We’re kind of playing here!”
 “I’m gonna be quick. I’ve got to get to Fades,” Jarell replied as firmly as he could.
 “Turn back, Jarell!” Marc yelled, plucking the ball from Raheem’s hands and placing it on the ground ready for a spot kick.
 “We’re not going to tell you again!” Kadon snapped.
 You’re the heir of Kundi! Jarell reminded himself. You found the Iron Leopard and overcame a pack of were-hyenas! That was you!
 He ran forward, swiped the ball from Marc, and kicked it toward the makeshift goal of two wheelie bins. He watched as it sailed through a rip in the net and over the wall into a garden. A dog started barking eagerly behind the wooden fence.
 “My ball!” Kadon screeched, chasing after it.
 “Quick, get it before the dog does!” Marc chased after Kadon.
 Eyes wide, Raheem let out a low whistle. “I didn’t know you were any good at soccer.”
 Jarell rubbed the back of his neck, slightly surprised himself. “It just kind of happened.”
 “Well, hope your shape-up is worth it,” Raheem said with a smile. “They’re gonna be fuming the next time they see you.”
 Jarell shrugged. I’ve got bigger things to worry about. Like a sorcerer with a score to settle and three magical iron animals to find.
 Raheem grinned. “Don’t worry. I’ll try to cool them down. See you around, Jarell.”
 Jarell couldn’t quite believe Raheem was smiling at him. He smiled back. “See you around.”
 He ran to the other end of the alleyway and turned the corner to Fades.
 One of the customers stood at the door shouting after someone who was already halfway down the street. “Yo, Daryl, don’t forget—extra hot sauce on my curry goat!” he yelled.
 Jarell slipped past him. The shop was buzzing. Jarell could just about hear an old-school reggae track over all the banter, debates, and chats that filled the air.
 “Cuz! Come chill! You’re making my shop look messy.” Omari waved Jarell over, clippers and comb in his