Ethan Wright and the Curse of Silence Read Online Free PDF

completed as fast as possible. The registration lady said there were too many kids and it would run into the night. Then again, it’ll probably be much later before you get paired up with Marcus.”
    Auren started to answer Ethan but was cut off by the announcer. “ Would Auren Faryndon and Marcus Grenwise report for a match .”
    A sick feeling came over Auren, and his face turned pale. He looked as if his stomach had just balled up and was going to come out of his mouth.
    “Or maybe you’ll get to fight him right away,” said Ethan.

Chapter 4
A Sore End
    Knots were swirling and churning in the stomach of Auren Faryndon. His lips felt dry, his face was pale, and sweat rolled off his forehead. Auren picked up his helmet; the twitter of his nervous hands clumsily pulled it down atop his head.
    “Strong as a bear, heart of a lion … strong as a bear, heart of a lion,” whispered Auren to himself.
    “Oh, you’ll be alright, Auren, you’re much bigger than him — think of how he treated Availia.”
    The color started returning to Auren’s face. “You’re right. I just need to relax so I can beat last year’s returning champion, that’s all then. Oh, why did I sign up for this again?”
    But just then, Ethan heard a commotion over at the registration desk. It was Marcus.
    “What do you mean I have to fight? I just got out of a match!” yelled Marcus to the besieged young lady. “This is so stupid — you wouldn’t know how to run a …” but Marcus stopped himself as he noticed Ethan and Auren staring at him. “Fine, I don’t need a rest anyway … to beat a big idiot like him!” He grabbed his sword and headed for the ring with his followers right behind him.
    Ethan looked back at Auren and gave him a pat on the back. “Well, let’s get on with it then … be precise — choose your spot and attack,” encouraged Ethan as he gave Auren a thumbs up.
    “Yeah … sure,” answered Auren as he nervously stepped into the ring.
    Ethan handed Auren his sword, and Strahlung’s strongest champion strutted his way to the center of the ring.
    “ To the line .”
    Marcus stepped up to the line followed by Auren. “Not sure what all the gossip is about — you look like a big dumb oaf to me,” taunted Marcus.
    “I wonder, Marcus, did your rich parents pay those kids to follow you around all day?” replied Auren sharply.
    The face of Marcus Grenwise turned three shades of red as anger filled his eyes. “I’ll teach you, Auren….”
    “ Begin! ” yelled the judge.
    Both boys lunged forward. Auren brought his sword above his head and swung wildly as if to cut Marcus in half. Marcus stepped to the side, making Auren hit nothing but air. Auren’s sword hit the ground, leaving him bent over. Marcus flicked his sword up and hit Auren full in the nose with a loud CRACK ! Blood trickled out from Auren’s nose and he held it shut with one hand, while trying to swing his sword with the other.
    “ Hold! Unnecessary contact, no points will be awarded .”
    Auren wiped his bloody nose on the sleeve of his shirt, leaving a large stain on the already dingy material. He regained his composure and stepped back to the line.
    “How did that feel, you dumb oaf — not so strong now are you?” taunted Marcus.
    “Ignore him, Auren!” yelled Ethan. “Be patient and wait for an opening!”
    Auren nodded and got into position as Marcus continued to mock him. “Yeah, Auren, ignore him, you’re too big and stupid to use your brain when you fight.”
    “ Begin! ”
    This time Auren did not attack, letting Marcus jump forward. He wound up and swung for Auren’s head, but Auren ducked, avoiding the swing. Marcus was now turned around, exposing his back. Auren took this opportunity to take a very hard swing, hitting Marcus square on the backside. The bully dropped his sword and reached around to hold his bottom, giving out a loud yelp.
    “ Unnecessary contact! No points! ” yelled the judge.
    The crowd was now laughing