Once Upon a Game: Mossfoot and the Stolen Ring (Signed HARDCOVER)

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Humorous, LitRPG

Audience: Middle Schoolers & Teens

Generally speaking, these books are listed for ages 8-12. However, I have had parents read them to kids under 8, and there are plenty of teen readers and even adults!

In terms of content rating, they are similar to a PG movie. My books are family friendly, and can be enjoyed by all ages. There is no profanity, graphic content, or romance.

However, these books do contain combat and suspense, but it’s no different than what you’d see it your typical animated movie from Dreamworks, Pixar, Illumination, or similar.

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If you would like to purchase my books, but you are outside of the United States, please check out my retailer links under the "About My Books" section of this website.

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CHAPTER 2: Finnegan Mossfoot

Noah peered around a tree at a cluster of Goblins arguing animatedly over a stolen chicken. The tan bird squawked and flapped its wings, clearly unhappy with its predicament.

“Dis one’s mine,” insisted one Goblin.

“No, it’s not. I saw it first,” argued another, holding the chicken out of reach.

Noah’s heart raced in his chest as he prepared to strike. “Ready, Alex?” he whispered.

“Born ready!” Alex replied, grinning widely from beneath the visor of his new metal helmet.

“Alright, on three.” Noah drew an arrow from his quiver. “One… two… three!”

The two brothers leapt from their hiding spot, charging straight into the fray. Noah let loose an arrow, striking one Goblin square in the chest. It emitted a high-pitched yelp before collapsing to the ground.

“Nice shot!” Alex called out, his blade slicing through the air like a whirlwind, sending another Goblin toppling into the bushes.

“Thanks, but I think you get more style points for that one!” Noah replied, knocking another arrow and letting it fly. Another Goblin crumpled.

“Style is my middle name,” Alex boasted, his laughter echoing through the clearing as he engaged yet another Goblin. The creature’s wooden club collided with Alex’s shining armor, producing a resounding clang that rang in their ears. Alex returned the blow with a stab from his sword. Another Goblin down.

The last Goblin dropped the chicken and fled in fear. The chicken, now free, scuttled away in search of safety.

“Ha! That’s the last of them,” Alex declared triumphantly.

“Alex, the chicken!” Noah pointed.

“Oh, right!” Alex dove at the chicken and trapped it with his body. “Whew. Can’t let that thing get away. Let’s get back to Willowbend and get this little guy home.”

“Agreed,” said Noah.

They set off toward Willowbend, their boots crunching softly against the dirt path as Alex cradled the chicken. No more than fifteen minutes had passed before they arrived at the house of farmer Hubert, who had issued the quest.

“Ah, yer back.” The farmer brushed bits of straw from his overalls. “I’ve been losing sleep over those darn Goblins stealing my chickens. Did you take care of ‘em?”

“Yep, all gone!” Alex replied proudly. “And we saved one of your chickens too!”

“Thank you, boys!” Relief washed over Hubert’s weathered face. “I’ll finally be able to get some rest, and my wife won’t have to listen to me complain any longer.”

“Happy to help,” Noah said with a smile. “And if you ever need our assistance again, just let us know.”

“Thanks. That is much appreciated. And as promised, here is your payment.” He handed Noah a small sack of coins. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some pigs to check on. Got the case of the blue poops. Work never ends ‘round here, I tell ya.”

As the farmer trudged back toward his fields, Noah turned to Alex. “Another quest completed. What do you say we celebrate with some food?”

“Music to my ears!” Alex replied, his eyes lighting up.

Noah and Alex entered the town of Willowbend, their spirits high after defeating the Goblins. The town was small, yet cozy, and appropriately named for its abundance of willow trees.

“Now where’s that inn?” Noah wondered aloud. He used his map to locate a cozy-looking building with a sign that read “Sleepy Squirrel Inn.”

As they approached the inn, they stumbled upon a peculiar sight. A small man with curly brown hair and rosy red cheeks was pacing back and forth, muttering to himself. His large, bare feet seemed to have moss growing on them, giving him an odd, earthy appearance.

“Excuse me, sir,” Noah called out, trying to get his attention. The mumbling man continued pacing while he patted the outside of his vest pockets.

“Hello?” Alex shouted.

The man jumped, then looked at them, startled.

“What is it?” he squeaked, his eyes darting around nervously.

“Relax, friend,” Alex reassured him. “We’re just travelers looking for some rest. My name is Alex, and this is my brother, Noah.”

Noah gave him a nod and smiled.

“Sorry. Forgive me,” the man said, regaining some composure. “I’m Finnegan, Finnegan Mossfoot. I didn’t mean to ignore you. My head’s just not in the right place at the moment.” Concern was evident in his voice.

“Something troubling you?” Noah asked.

Finnegan sighed, running a hand through his curly hair. “Why, yes, in fact. It’s those pesky critters. Those little thieving pests.” He then muttered inaudibly under his breath.

“What are you talking about?” asked Noah earnestly.

“It was those wretched Lootgoyles. Those devious creatures took my most prized possession right from my pockets! A ring handed down to me by my grandparents.”

“What are Lootgoyles?” Noah asked.

“Lootgoyles are kind of like little gargoyles that go around stealing treasures and shiny objects from others.”

“Sound like real menaces to me.” Alex frowned, clanking his metal gauntlet against his sword hilt. “Why don’t you let us help you retrieve your ring?”

“Would you really?” asked Finnegan, his mood clearly lifted. “You’d do that for a stranger?”

“Yeah, why not?” said Alex. “We are always looking for a new quest.”

“Thank you so much!” Finnegan’s cheeks flushed with gratitude. “I can’t express how much this means to me.”

“Then it’s settled,” Noah said firmly, extending a hand to Finnegan. “We’re with you on this quest.”

“Wonderful!” Finnegan exclaimed. He then muttered to himself again, “Yes. Yes. We’ll get those critters. Oh, yes. We will.”

“Are you talking to us?” asked Noah.

“What do you mean?” Finnegan appeared confused. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Uh—” Alex hesitated.

“Let’s meet back here in the morning, shall we?” said Noah. “We’ll all get a good night’s rest and start fresh tomorrow.”

“Yeah, alright,” Finnegan agreed. “See you in the morning then.”

Finnegan ambled off in a different direction, and Noah was certain he began talking to himself again.

“Well, that dude was weird,” said Alex.

“Yeah, something’s off about that guy. But at least you got us another quest.”

“Yeah, for sure. Now let’s grab some grub.”