Red Rider Redemption (The Red Rider Saga Book 3) Read online

  COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE.

  PRAISE FOR The Red Rider Saga

  (from previous editions)

  “I got sucked in from the beginning. … I was up all night reading, imagining and feeling for this poor girl … heartbreak and twists and adventure all rolled into one. … This is a book to let a young woman read to teach about inner strength and what one young girl can do against so many odds. That one action can accomplish so much. This book gets my absolute seal of approval. I could even picture this story on the big screen!

  Angi Burns ~Rabid Readers Book Blog

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  “Get ready to see the classic tale reimagined as you’ve never seen it before. … transforming a children’s fairy tale into a supernatural action thriller with a Zorro-style vigilante.”

  A.K. Preston, author of The Gevaudan Project

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  “A thrilling paranormal Red Riding Hood. … a well-written retelling with a twist and a much stronger Red. … would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal thrillers or reimagined fairy tales.

  C.S. Wachter, author of The Sorcerer’s Bane

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  “Action filled novel. Journey of a teenage girl. A story of love, courage, friendship and more. The author has got it all in this book.”

  Jay Deb, author of The Assassin

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  “[Randall]’s unauthorized sequel to Little Red Riding Hood blends great characters with a compelling storyline and places it in the middle of a legendary premise`… a well-told story about seeking justice rather than revenge and finding a way to properly overcome evil. What I liked best about this tale was that this little girl was a flawed character—and she seemed to have all rights to believe the way she believed and think the way she thinks—but [Randall] is careful not to glorify the fact she wants revenge. In fact, the story is about Red learning through her quest to destroy the wolves that revenge will, in fact, destroy herself. It’s a big concept and [Randall] does it well.”

  Josh Olds, Life is Story

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  “There are stories with great writing styles. Those that have amazing plots. Those that sustain your attention with every word. Ones that exceed your expectations of great lines, with a satisfying ending. Mr. [Randall] accomplished all of these aspects. I can only hope that the right person will come across The Red Rider and turn it into a movie that is sure to be a box-office hit.”

  Kym McNabney, Story Contributor, Childhood Regained: Stories of Hope for Asian Child Workers by Jodie Renner and Steve Hooley

  WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

  (from previous editions)

  “Full of thrilling discoveries and heart-pounding adventure! Helena “Red” is as complex, driven, and bold as Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games). You will be cheering for her from the start!”

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  “This book was fantastic!!!!!!! Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. A fantastic twist on the original Red Riding Hood. Helena is my hero.”

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  “Fantastic, suspenseful retelling of Red Riding Hood. A story of wolves and black magic. How the beautiful, innocent child Helena, becomes the physically scarred, determined, skillful hunter of wolves. How the stuff of nightmares becomes reality for a whole community, and a young woman's strength and overwhelming desire to completely destroy the terror that haunts her dreams and waking moments. Powerful imagery, wonderful storytelling. I thoroughly recommend it.”

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  “Definitely not what I expected. There were plenty of twists and turns packed into this book. A good read for any fairytale/fantasy lover.”

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  “While the story takes place in France a long time ago, it has a contemporary feel to it, and the story moves quickly. You find yourself rooting for the main character. I'll certainly buy the next [D.A. Randall] novel if it's as good as this one.”

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  “The Red Rider is a well written book full of adventure, mystery, twists and turns with a fair amount of moral teachings included. This is a book that would be excellent for young teens and adults alike.”

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  “If you enjoyed Little Red Riding Hood as a child, you will love this book. It has mystery, adventure, and suspense. Once you start to read it you won't be able to stop until you finish it. This is the first time I have read anything by this author but he has found a fan of his writings. He is an amazing storyteller.”

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  “Imagine Little Red Riding Hood being scarred by her traumatic encounter with the big bad wolf, and imagine that the big bad wolf ‘isn't a wolf.’ Then let her grow into an angry teenager, give her a red cape, a reloading crossbow and a grappling hook, and gallop with her on her one-supergirl-war against a coven of big bad wolves. The Red Rider is a teen action-fantasy hero and that is how the novel reads. No spoilers here: The suspense with author [D.A. Randall] is just how dark this fantasy will turn, as he takes the white-washed premise of the Brothers Grimm and gets much, much grimmer. A great fit with the grown-up fairy-tale versions of recent years that has emerged in print and film. I recommend it with pleasure.

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  RED RIDER REDEMPTION

  by

  D.A. Randall

  Copyright © 2020 by Randall Allen Dunn

  Based on 1st Edition of The Red Rider, Copyright © 2013 by Randall Allen Dunn

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  D.A. Randall is the fantasy and paranormal thriller pen name of author Randall Allen Dunn.

  D.A. Randall writes fantasy and paranormal thrillers that read like blockbuster movies!

  D.A. Randall is the fantasy and paranormal thriller pen name of author Randall Allen Dunn.

  You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. You can also read his Character Entertainment blog –

  Building Character Through Fiction – at www.RandallAllenDunn.com

  For the latest releases, you can subscribe to the

  Packing Action Newsletter Datafile at:

  https://redriderrising.ck.page/aff3f118aa

  D.A.RANDALL

  Fantasy and Paranormal Thrillers

  The Red Rider

  Red Rider Rising

  Red Rider Redemption

  Non-Fiction

  Wizards, Wardrobes & Halflings (Faith in Fiction Devotional)

  RANDALL ALLEN DUNN

  Suspense and Action Thrillers

  Den

  High Adventure: The Solomon Ring of Kilimanjaro

  2 Tales: Devil in the Details

  2 Tales: Suspicious

  2 Tales: Christmas Spirits

  Kids’ Fantasy and Action Adventure

  The Island of Myste

  Terror on the Island of Myste

  Escape from the Island of Myste

  Non-Fiction

  Making Fiction Funny! How to Create Story Humor

  RED RIDER

  REDEMPTIO
N

  by

  D.A. RANDALL

  Table of Contents

  MY DESTINY

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  MY CURSE

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  MY RESCUE

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  MY MASK

  23

  24

  25

  26

  MY HEROES

  27

  28

  29

  30

  31

  32

  33

  NOTE FROM AUTHOR D.A. RANDALL

  RED RIDER RISING – FREE OFFER!

  THE RED RIDER SAGA

  SNEAK PREVIEW - RED RIDER REVILED!

  D.A. RANDALL NEWSLETTER

  RANDALL ALLEN DUNN ACTION THRILLERS

  MY DESTINY

  1.

  My red hooded cloak wafted from my shoulders as I rode on through the night, eager to distance myself from the all-consuming blaze. I drove my horse, Crimson, through the moonlit forest, pounding over pine needles and snapping twigs. My entire body ached, sore and spent but alive. Alive and ready to fight.

  More than ever, I was ready to fight.

  They thought they had beaten me. The naïve, sixteen-year old blonde with triple scars across her face who had dared to challenge them. Who had discovered how to kill them, one by one.

  Or, like tonight, thirty-three at a time. In an enormous raging inferno.

  I drove Crimson harder.

  My mind and heart felt numb. Numb with cold and struggle and death. I clenched my teeth and tensed my aching muscles, forcing energy back into my limbs. I was a murderer. There was no returning from it. I just needed enough strength to last another hour or so. Long enough to ride into the village and finally end this. Then pray I would find forgiveness.

  The Lycanthru tried to kill me. They tied me between two posts in their barn, the place where I had first witnessed their dark rituals. When they drank their Lycanum and their human bodies stretched and contorted, until they had transformed into six-foot long wolves.

  When I saw the face of their leader as he drew back his wolf-like hood. The man my family trusted, before the Lycanthru slaughtered them.

  The ruler of our province, Duke Leopold Laurent.

  I passed by his palatial home, Chateau de Laurent, on the way to the village. Its castle spires looked menacing in silhouette as I galloped past its endless wrought-iron gate. Bright lanterns blazed from within the main hall. Recalling our last meeting, I slowed Crimson to a trot.

  Shortly before daybreak, while he had me suspended between the pillars, Duke Laurent told me he had an important matter to conclude this evening. Before he joined the rest of his cult to feed on me.

  Here, within his well-lit palace.

  “Halt! State your business!”

  I tugged back on the reins. Crimson reared and snorted as I instinctively started for my crossbow. Two men stood at the main gate, their muskets aimed at my head.

  I froze. They were musketeers, not Lycanthru wolves. A short distance behind them, a royal coach sat parked beside the Duke’s carriage.

  “Who are you?” the nearest soldier demanded. He had a thick moustache that made him look like a Scottish terrier when he spoke. “Answer, in the name of the Queen.”

  I lifted my hands slowly. “My name is Helena. I’m just on my way home. The Queen is here?”

  “Her royal ambassador is here on her behalf,” the other soldier growled, bringing his musket closer. “To meet with Duke Laurent. If you’re heading home, then be on your way. You have no business here.”

  I bowed my head graciously, then took back the reins and trotted past them. I have more business here than you can possibly imagine, I thought, considering how to make my way inside. They kept their muskets trained on me as I continued down the stone pathway. I glanced over my shoulder a few times as they watched me go.

  Once I had distanced myself far enough down the darkening path that they could barely see or hear Crimson’s clicking hooves, the soldiers finally lowered their weapons and returned to their post. Then I veered off the path onto Duke Laurent’s grassy yard, which nearly silenced Crimson’s heavy steps. Finding no other soldiers about the perimeter, I urged Crimson toward another section of the gate. All the while I kept a wary eye toward the distant musketeers guarding the front entrance, as well as the brilliantly lit windows of the chateau. I pushed Crimson at a slow trot, right up to the gate. I paused and listened, hearing only crickets and a light wind.

  The gate stood eight feet high. I slung my crossbow over my shoulder and stood on the saddle, then seized hold of its upper bar and climbed up. I swung my legs over the top and eased myself to the ground. No one spotted me.

  I hurried across the lawn and pressed my back against the chateau wall. Still no noise from any observers.

  I studied the upper window. I couldn’t risk the noise of the grappling hook. Fortunately, the jagged stone walls were easy enough to climb. Despite my soreness and fatigue, I made it to the window in fifteen seconds and stole inside.

  The inner corridor was empty but well-lit with numerous high torches. An echoing discussion issued from a large open room at the end of the hall. I crept toward it.

  The voices grew clearer as I reached the door. Duke Laurent was speaking.

  “–- and I can assure you that everything will be done to ensure Her Majesty’s safe transport in and out of our province.”

  His smooth voice grated on me. As he made his usual guarantees of peace and safety.

  “Her Majesty’s courtiers will see to that,” said an elder man, presumably the royal ambassador.

  I reached the entrance and peered between the crack of the door. A short, silver-haired man sat before Laurent, listening attentively with his legs crossed.

  Three primary Lycanthru members surrounded the Duke. His royal advisor, Simonet, stood apart from the others, detached as usual, almost as if standing guard. Our police Lieutenant-General Sharrad stood nearby with Monsieur Brocard, the trader who owned the Lycanthru’s barn. Laurent apparently wished to make a good impression by having them represent the police force and business community of La Rue Sauvage.

  All for appearance, to make him appear as the shining hero of our little province. Duping the ambassador the way he duped my father, claiming he had sent numerous letters to the king, requesting soldiers to help deal with the wolves.

  Wolves that Laurent continued to secretly lead against us all.

  “Of course,” Laurent agreed. “Please express my sincere gratitude to Her Majesty for this opportunity to show how well we have managed our little province for the last two decades. I am sure that once Her Majesty sees –.”

  I pushed through the doors and marched forward. “Sees what?” I trained my crossbow squarely between his eyes.

  Each of the men gaped with white faces. Lieutenant-General Sharrad recovered and grabbed for his pistol.

  “Go on, try to shoot me before I kill your master!” I dared him.

  He kept his hand on his pistol a moment. Then slowly withdrew it.

  “Raise your hands where I can see them, all of you!”

  They complied, while the ambassador looked bewildered. Laurent rose gingerly from his parlor seat, palms lifted, and took a graceful step backward. The handsome diplomat, commanding as always. “Now just calm down, Helena,” he said.

  “I’m perfectly calm, Monsieur. Though you look a bit shaken. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important. I doubt you were expecting me. Were you?”

  Brocard and Simonet backed farther away, fanning out. I aimed my crossbow in their direction. “No one moves!”

  They
froze, waiting for my next instruction. My heart pounded madly. I had no plan.

  “What do you want, Mademoiselle?” Laurent asked carefully. His eyes shifted between me and his official guest.

  I returned my crossbow to his head. “First, I wish to alert you. Monsieur Brocard’s barn is in flames.”

  Brocard lunged toward me. “What? You burned my –!”

  I turned my crossbow toward his chest. He stopped cold. “You’re accusing me of burning your barn?” I asked. “Why would I do that? Why would anyone in La Rue Sauvage wish to burn your barn?”

  They stood speechless. The ambassador looked from one face to the other, perplexed. Laurent and his men couldn’t accuse me of attacking them without raising the suspicions of their royal guest.

  I returned my gaze to Laurent. “I spotted some wolves in the barn. They might have caused the blaze. We’ll never know. The barn appears to have gotten locked. Those beasts were all trapped inside.”

  Laurent grimaced, his cheeks purpling with rage at the loss of his Lycanthru cohorts. “How many?”

  I met his gaze. “I counted thirty-three.”

  The men took a collective intake of breath. They understood my meaning.