The Exile
by Michael D. Britton
Lillian has lost Ivan, her eight-year-old son, to mysterious predators from the dark-magical Forest of Bann. Her only chance at recovering him is to venture in after him, armed with only a half-hexed staff, a spell book, and her wits. But when she finds the chronaqua (timewater) - she may be able to save more than just her son...This short story is the first in the Greta Gecko mystery series. It introduces the main character Greta as well as her best friend Norman. The story begins with Greta and Norman deciding to visit Greta's father at Macamya Bay University. Things don't always go smoothly as planned.