The cords binding my wrists were severed. The Lamayan soldiers, as well as the Nephite prisoners, were backing away from me as if I had the plague. There was just Moroni standing to my left, and the former Hummingbird Captain about six paces in front of me, poised to rush at me with his obsidian sword.
“My gladius!” I yelled. “I demand the return of my Roman gladius! Who has it? Where is it?”
I searched faces in the crowd for the man who’d stripped away my sword atop the ridge, trying to keep one eye on First Deer. I was sure that I’d spotted the thief, but he wasn’t stepping forward.
“Apollus,” said Moroni, his tone almost gentle, pitying.
“Back away,” I told him sternly. Then to Lamanai, “You promised me a weapon!” I turned my rage onto the thief. “Give me back my gladius, you miserable cur!”
He didn’t move. Just gaped defiantly. No one was responding. No one was offering me anything with which to defend myself.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw First Deer flick his wrist. Something landed in the grass at my feet. I studied it. The man with the black-spotted nose had tossed me a knife off his belt. It wasn’t even as long as my forearm. Not obsidian. Not sure it was even flint. I couldn’t have said what kind of stone. It had a reasonably sharp point, but did it have a blade? The thing looked more like an eating utensil.
“What in Jupiter’s name is this?” I asked First Deer. “Your grandmother’s toothpick?”
He’d reassumed his battle-stance, ready to charge. “Arm yourself, Roman demon!”
Foolish, I conceded, to believe they had any intention of making this a fair fight. As I scooped up the knife, First Deer was already shrieking and lunging forward....
24 Comments
Comments
Apr 28, 2018 3:33 pm
can’t wait
Apr 29, 2018 3:30 pm
Can’t wait to see the finished book! Thanks for publishing this teaser. I recently introduced my younger siblings to your 1st book in the series, and they’re hooked. They have me read a full chapter every chance they get!
May 7, 2018 7:23 am
Ahhh!
But when does it come out?!
May 16, 2018 5:32 pm
I love Apollus! You have created some very likable characters! I am still biting my nails about the destiny of a few of them. Lol!
May 21, 2018 8:35 pm
I adore these books! I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to listen to these books and understand! They have been my favorite since I was little and we listened on to them on our first family road trip! I can’t wait for this book to come out!
Aug 30, 2018 2:40 pm
I’m so excited for it to be published! Any idea of when that might be???
Aug 31, 2018 11:15 am
I am a fairly new convert to the Church. Originally I was looking for a story to listen to with my 13 year old grandson when traveling from my house in Utah to his in California. Well…this is now MY favorite story!! As I learn about the Church and reading the Book Of Mormon, this series has brought it to life!
I just finished Drums of Desolation. When is the next one coming out?
Sep 8, 2018 12:29 pm
Ooh, I remember Apollus! Seriously, there is often so much time between the publication of the books, and the familes have gotten so complex, that I often forget just who is who.
Fortunately, when I get into one of the Tennis Shoes books, it doesn’t take me long to get into the swing of things. Nevertheless, when you finally announce the release date, I think I will go through the whole series again to refresh my memory.
Sep 10, 2018 4:13 pm
I so cannot wait for the finished book I have been waiting
Sep 27, 2018 12:26 am
I have read all 12 books 3 times waiting for this one to come out so I wont forget where I am… I am so excited for it. Oh including the Zarahemla series too.
Nov 21, 2018 5:07 pm
I see many asking about a release date, but I don’t see an answer. Is there an intended release date?
Reply from Chris: No release date. Still plugging away. Sorry Catherine.
Dec 7, 2018 11:49 am
My girls (7 and 2) have listened to the whole series with me up to this point. They love the stories and family and talk about them as if they’re real and their adventures real. Thanks for making the stories so real and lessons relevant.
Jan 28, 2019 8:52 pm
Your creativity and ingenuity
Are thrilling to behold. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Apr 1, 2019 5:16 pm
Can you please give me some idea when Vol. 13 will be out. My adult children still enjoy your books and want to borrow them often to share with my grandchildren. I am 1/2 way through vol. 12. Best series of books EVER…Jean from New Zealand
Answer from Chris: I love your fanship, but I wish folks would search a little more here or on Facebook or many other places where I do my best to answer to this. The short answer (and you'll find longer answers elsewhere) is....soon. Don't lose faith in me. I've made quite a lot of progress.Apr 19, 2019 3:56 am
Goosebumps! Reading this gave me chills! I could see Apollus standing there poised to fight. I am so ready for this to come that I am tempted to write it myself, though I lack your vision. You don’t know how much I love these books.
FYI, about 12 years ago I had an idea to write a series based on events in the Book of Mormon. After I read your first book, I threw my hands up because it was done—and well!
With bated breath, I look for the day the book comes.
Response from Chris: Please don't give up on that vision. If you have an idea on how to celebrate the Book of Mormon with storytelling or any other genre, DO IT! I can't do this alone, and the Book of Mormon presents so many opportunities for so many artists to celebrate it.May 8, 2019 9:24 pm
I love this book series! I have read all twelve books multiple times and still find them the most exciting books ever! You write books in a way that captures the reader and makes it feel as if you are living the adventures. The characters seem so real and I love the lds part of the story. I own the whole series and can’t wait until the thirteenth book is done. Thanks for being my favorite author ever!
May 11, 2019 10:51 pm
I love it. Where can I subscribe for an update on your books other than Facebook. I don’t do that site. Don’t really have the time too. I really enjoy your books and look forward to the day that this one releases.
Just join the group page, Jolene, for updates and news. https://www.facebook.com/groups/cheimerdinger/?ref=bookmarks
Jun 18, 2019 4:29 pm
Incredible
Jul 21, 2019 1:21 am
I just finished all 12 books this summer. I reread some and read the new ones. I’ve been a fan since the first book. So thought you must be done with the series. I’m torn. I am the person who has to read the end of the book to know how it all works out before I read the whole book, but glad that the series is not over. I must now hopefully not wait too long. Thanks for a great spiritual summer before going back to teaching!!! You do such an amazing job!!!
Jul 30, 2019 8:07 pm
Hey Chris as from my email address my name is Amulek Lagos from the book of Alma. Ever since I started reading the first book in February I read the rest of the books and I’m only 11. So I can’t wait for the next 2 books and I hope you email me back.
Aug 16, 2019 7:32 pm
Can’t wait for your next book! Your combination of romance and action and sorts has me so intrigued. I love all the adventure and am so impressed!
Nov 11, 2019 4:05 pm
Waiting so patiently for book number 13. Any word on a release date yet?
Mar 9, 2020 12:57 pm
This is very tantalizing.
I am thinking I will give up and get the books on my kindle. I do not have paper copies of any right now except maybe Book 12, and do not know where that is. Plus my wife wants me to have fewer books.
I am trying to decide if my 7-year-old grandson is old enough to start exposing him to the books. I think I will wait a little longer.
I am excited to see Book 13 come out soon.
Reply from Chris: Seven is a little young, unless you read it TO him, which can be a fun bonding experience, and a great introduction for a kid to the love of reading. But with each book I feel like the readership matures. I think about 12 is perfect.
Jun 27, 2020 10:41 am
I’ve had time to re-read the series… I’ve bought every book since my parents brought me the first two almost six years ago. Looking forward to the new book because I’ve BEEN CLIFFHANGERED!