Black Mountain
Monster Hunters
by
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Suddenly, the jarring sound of a loud “crack” exploded beneath his shoe and rattled off the cavern's walls. Drew choked back a startled cry and froze. Something had shattered beneath his weight. He brought the beam of his flashlight to the floor and gasped as his eyes met a disturbing sight. “I have to get out of here,” he whispered, now wishing he had stayed in bed. Before him stretched a field of bones, thousands of them, in all shapes and sizes. Everywhere he shone his light were sickening, pale yellowish piles covering the ground. Many living things had met a terrible end in this place. Most of the bones were destroyed - making identification impossible - but a few he recognized. A skull at his feet with horns looked like the bull skull hanging above the barn doors. A large skeleton to his left, although not entirely intact, looked like it might've been a horse. To his right, a generous spread of bones was mixed with what he could tell were deer antlers, some of impressive size. He fought hard to control the icy grip of fear that threatened to grab hold of his thoughts. His arms weakened and his souvenir, the bony plate, and the flashlight nearly dropped from his hands. He gripped them tighter and decided that now was a good time to leave. His mind recalled Dad's bear story as he took a few cautious steps backward. From the looks of this place that story was accurate. An entire bear family might even reside in the cave. Whatever dwelled here had a voracious appetite and Drew didn't wish to become part of the menu. Fighting a strong desire to run, he retraced his steps toward the exit. He moved with quiet deliberation to avoid antagonizing anything that might already be aware of his presence. When he reached the place where the tunnel was supposed to be, he found a wall instead. Where had he made the wrong turn? Clutching the bony plate so tight that his hand ached, he reached back and tried to feel his way along the wall. Something inside him sensed that he was no longer alone. Then it dawned on him - he hadn't misjudged his direction - something was blocking the exit! He heard a throaty hiss in the darkness and a gust of hot wind ruffled his hair. He glanced over his shoulder, still trying to avoid making any sudden moves. He gazed into the shadows behind him, but he saw nothing. Then what he had thought was the wall began to move. Whatever it was, it was big. He peered upward and saw a terrible, mind-numbing sight. Hovering in the darkness were two molten gold eyes with slit pupils, transfixed on him.
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About the Book
Something monstrous has awoken deep within the Appalachian Mountains where the Davenport family has made their new home. But just what is it? And what are its intentions?
Dr. John Davenport, a veterinary doctor of large animals, moves his family to North Carolina after hearing of an opportunity to take over the practice of a retiring veterinarian. To the family’s delight, they find a stone farmhouse for sale on several picturesque acres nestled in the mountains. There is even a small lake and a barn on the property, the perfect setting for John and his wife, Rachael, to raise their two active boys, Dillon and Drew. But the family is not destined to find peace and serenity in the mountains.
Ten-year-old Drew Davenport and his family are unexpectedly drawn into a struggle for survival as the result of an amazing discovery. Much of what the family had believed about the world is suddenly turned up-side down when an ancient secret is uncovered. The present day collides with the past when myths and legends become real.
Along their amazing and difficult journey the Davenports learn lessons about friendship, loyalty and sacrifice – and about the often blurred line between things good and evil. The resourcefulness of the family is stretched to its limits as they unite to protect the values that they cherish. And in so doing, they restore the faith of a mysterious visitor in the goodness of the human spirit.
Can the family hope to stand against the darkness that threatens to destroy them?
About the Author
James A. Farson and his wife, Holly, reside in Jacksonville, Florida, with their two sons, Matthew and Daniel, who are the main inspirations for this book. Jim’s creativity was sparked at an early age by his own father’s gifted bedtime storytelling.