title: Unexpected Heroes: The Battle for the Black Onyx
author:  Charlene Haines 
description: Charlene Haines wasborn in Cumberland, Maryland in 1980, and resides there still. Shecompleted her first book in 1996, at the age of sixteen, but did notpursue publication. After graduating from Allegany High School in1998, she completed three additional books. Taking a hiatus fromhigher education, she completed a fifth book. As with before; however, she did not pursue publication for any of her work. In 2007, she graduated from Allegany College with an A.A.S. degree inTherapeutic Massage, and is currently in the process of becomingcertified in the state of Maryland. She finished a sixth book anddecided that it was time to allow others to enjoy reading what shehas enjoyed creating. "The Battle for the Black Onyx" isthe first in the "Unexpected Heroes" series. Readers who wish to correspond with the author can do so by visiting: http://www.myspace.com/Zeppelin201or http://www.myspace.com/unexpected_heroes or e-mail at: Unexpected_Heroes@yahoo.com
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  ![image](../images/9780062286970_Cover.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![image](../images/Titlepage.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## [DEDICATION](nav.xhtml#r_idParaDest-1)
  
  
  To Kelson, who embodies the best parts of Mather and Theron even when I’m the
  worst parts of Meira
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## [MAP](nav.xhtml#r_idParaDest-2)
  
  
  ![images](../images/Map.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## [CHAPTER 1](nav.xhtml#r_idParaDest-3)
  
  
  ## [Meira](nav.xhtml#r_idParaDest-3)
  
  
  FIVE ENEMIES.
  
  
  Five dented helmets sit lopsided over five equally dented breastplates; five
  black suns shine, scratched yet distinct, on the silver metal. More soldiers
  than I could ever take on my own, but as I stand in the center of their ring,
  boots planted in the snow, I cock an eyebrow at the closest one, the calm that
  precedes a fight descending over me.
  
  
  My chakram already rests in my hand, but part of me doesn’t want to throw it
  just yet, reveling in the feel of its smooth handle against my palm. Dendera
  thought herself so cle