Excerpt from Chapter 1

Chapter 1        NEW KID IN TOWN

...The sun slipped behind the mountains, and darkness silently and suddenly descended, slinking in like a big black cat on soft paws.  Only a sliver of moon appeared in the misty sky, quickly becoming engulfed by shadowy clouds.  David Nahshon looked around in panic trying to figure out which way to go. 
Why did I take this short cut?  Now I am lost, muttered the tall, muscular boy, dressed in denim jeans and a button down weathered shirt.  He glanced toward the sky and pulled his yellow slicker, which his grandmother had insisted he wear, tightly around him.  Dark storm clouds had rolled in swiftly.  It was only the end of August, but the wind had kicked up unexpectedly, bringing in a cold damp breeze.  A chill went down his back.  He checked his cell.  It was dead.  No help here!

Excerpt from Chapter 4

 David struggled against the weakness and helplessness.  He began to slowly slide himself back up to a standing position, by pushing and bracing his back hard against the wall to keep from sliding back down.  He quickly ducked when he saw a book fly through the air toward his head.  No one had touched the book.  For a moment he wanted to run, but actually he was too weak.  It was fight or die! 
“You can’t fight all six of us,” roared the boy with the green eyes, raising his fist threateningly.  David’s knees began to knock together. 
“Oh God, help me.”  He remembered his dad saying the One in him was greater than the evil one in the world.  That gave him courage.  In a shaky voice, he said, “I have One… Uh, Jesus, here in me who is greater than the one in you, and I have his Shield… right here in my hands.”  Some of his fear left. 
All six boys burst out in wild laughter.  “We don’t see anything in your hands.” ...

Excerpt from Chapter 5

...As Joan turned around, David’s sharp ears heard her murmur, “I want to show this new, good-looking David guy I can make my own friends… thank you very much.  He had no business flirting with Abigail this afternoon – right in front of me.”  He just grinned.  She must like me if she’s that jealous.  He spun on his heels, putting his hands in his pockets and strutted ahead of Jonathan, whistling under his breath.  The guys had trouble trying to catch up with him, especially little Benny. 
Suddenly he remembered where Joan was going.  Stopping abruptly, he turned toward Jonathan and said, “Joan has no idea of the danger she’s getting into.  Do you think you can convince her to go with us?” ...