The Race (A Gladius Adventure Series - Short Story)

This is a short story for middle grade readers featuring the main character, Gladius Oldmont, from the fantasy adventure novel Gladius and the Bartlett Trial, by J. A. Paul. In this exciting story, Gladius competes in the Bartlett Trial Preliminaries, an annual race for future Bartlett Trial newbies, but before the race begins, Gladius learns the truth behind the mystery of a community death. Could this new discovery unexpectedly change the outcome of the race? The only way to find out is to run The Race.
This is a short story of approximately 6300 words.

J. A. Paul is the author of the Gladius Adventure Series, where a simple run through the woods turns into an epic coming-of-age story certain to please those with a wild spirit who crave the next adventure.
J. A. Paul started writing short stories early on and spent many years learning the craft. Then one night after a long bedtime story, his sons challenged him to write a book. He borrowed an idea from a friend and asked his boys to choose three things to include in the story. They chose a dragon, a tree and a ruby and from the seed of that idea the story of Gladius grew. J.A. Paul set out to show his three sons that if you set your mind to something, it can be done. For more stories and information visit the author's web site at www.authorJAPaul.com